Man in court charged with murdering university lecturer
Man in court charged with murdering university lecturer
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A man has appeared in court charged with murdering a university lecturer. Paul Antony Butler, 53, appeared before Truro Crown Court accused of killing Claire Chick, 48. Butler, of Stangray Avenue, Plymouth, spoke only to confirm his name during the brief hearing.
The defendant did not enter any pleas to the two charges of murder and possession of a bladed article. He was remanded into custody and will next appear before Plymouth Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing. Judge Robert Linford, the honorary Recorder of Truro, told the defendant: “Mr Butler, your next court hearing will be March 3 when you will be produced to the crown court at Plymouth.
“The trial, if there is to be one, will be provisionally listed for July 14. “You will remain in custody until further order. Thank-you for your attendance today.”. Emily Cook appeared for the prosecution, while Jason Beale represented Butler during the hearing.
Mr Beale made no application for bail on behalf of his client. The judge urged members of the public not to share opinions about the case, particularly on social media. He said this is due to “fear that this may potentially prejudice any potential trial”.
Judge Linford added that media reporting of the case should be “measured, accurate and responsible”. Devon and Cornwall Police were called to reports a woman had been seriously injured on West Hoe Road in Plymouth at 8.55pm on January 22. Ms Chick was taken to hospital but died in the early hours of the next day.
