Ex-partner in court charged with murder of ‘kind-hearted’ gran-of-five found ‘attacked’ in street
Ex-partner in court charged with murder of ‘kind-hearted’ gran-of-five found ‘attacked’ in street
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THE former partner of a "kind-hearted" gran-of-five found "attacked" in the street has appeared in court charged with her murder. Claire Chick, 48, was discovered seriously injured in Plymouth, Devon, on Wednesday evening. Tragically she could not be saved and was declared dead in hospital the following morning.
![[Court sketch of Paul Butler (left) appearing in court, charged with murder.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/appearing-plymouth-magistrates-court-charged-967087738.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Her ex-partner Paul Butler appeared at Plymouth Magistrates' Court today charged with her murder. Claire's family were in court as Butler, 53, was remanded into custody following a short hearing. He has been ordered to appear before a crown court on January 28.
![[Photo of Claire Chick, a nurse and university lecturer.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/man-charged-murdering-woman-found-966921338.jpg?strip=all&w=725)
A further hearing has also been fixed for March 3. District Judge Stuart Smith told Butler: "These matters are going to be sent to the crown court. "You will be committed into custody. You will have a hearing tomorrow at the crown court where a crown court judge will consider your remand status further.".
![[Mugshot of Paul Antony Butler.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/devon-cornwall-police-pa-wire-966040969_2d324a.jpg?strip=all&w=759)
Claire, previously known as Claire Butler, worked as a lecturer at the University of Plymouth. She was found seriously injured in West Hoe Road, Plymouth, at around 8.55pm on Wednesday. Claire was rushed to hospital from the scene, but died of her injuries in the early hours of the following morning.
![[Photo of Claire Chick in graduation attire.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/devon-cornwall-police-pa-wire-967006890.jpg?strip=all&w=419)
In a moving tribute released by police, her family said they were "devastated and broken". They added: "She was the most beautiful lively soul and was there for everyone. "Everyone who knew our mum had so much positive words to say about her. She was the life and soul of any place where she was.
![[Photo of Claire Chick, a nurse and university lecturer.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/man-charged-murdering-woman-found-966921347.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
