Overview

• Paul Butler, 53, fatally stabbed Claire Chick, 48, outside her Plymouth home in January 2025 after a six-month campaign of stalking and harassment.
• Chick, a university lecturer and mother of two, had reported Butler to police six times, including on the day of her murder, fearing for her life.
• Despite being on bail and prohibited from contacting Chick, Butler tracked her movements with a device and ambushed her wearing a camouflage hoodie.
• The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating Devon and Cornwall Police's handling of Chick's prior reports, with the force implementing immediate reforms to stalking policies.
• Chick’s family, including her father and daughters, described the emotional devastation caused by the loss and criticized systemic failures in protecting her.