Claire Chick, 48, was killed by her Paul Butler in January 2025 despite reporting him ‘several times’ to police in the year prior
Police are being investigated after a woman was murdered by her estranged husband.
Claire Chick, 48, was killed by Paul Butler in January 2025, despite contacting Devon and Cornwall Police multiple times in the years prior about his threatening behaviour. Following her death, it was revealed that Claire had been in contact with the police force on a number of occasions since 2023.
The fore referred itself to the Independent Office of Police Conduct to investigate the prior contact and to consider “the actions and decisions taken by Devon and Cornwall Police and examining whether relevant policies and procedures were followed.” Now, it has been confirmed that the IOPC has served a number of police officers, staff and a retired officer with “misconduct and gross misconduct notices” as part of their investigation.
Butler pleaded guilty to murder at Plymouth Crown Court on March 18, 2025. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 27 years on April 25.
During the investigation, it emerged that Claire had first made contact with the police on September 19, 2024, saying she was worried about her ex’s erratic behaviour. The court heard that around this time, Butler flew to Kuala Lumpar but wrote to her saying he wanted half the house and half her pension.
On September 26, 2024, Claire gave a statement to police – the first of six in all – expressing her fear about his behaviour, Plymouth Live reported. Her next statement to police was on October 14, 2024 and the third was on October 16 where she said she felt “stupid and embarrassed” at the situation, that it was affecting her work, she was avoiding going out and her friends were saying she was struggling to cope.”
An IOPC spokesperson said: “Our thoughts and sympathies continue to be with Claire Chick’s family and friends for their devastating loss. Our investigation into the contact Ms Chick had with Devon and Cornwall Police, prior to her murder in January 2025, continues to make progress.
“Investigators are looking at the actions and decisions taken by Devon and Cornwall Police and examining whether relevant policies and procedures were followed. As part of our enquiries we have served fifteen police officers, two police staff members and one former officer, with misconduct and gross misconduct notices, who were involved in logging information, risk assessments and safeguarding decisions made about Ms Chick on a number of occasions from September 2024, until just prior to her murder.
“The serving of such notices does not necessarily mean that disciplinary proceedings will follow and will be kept under review as our work continues.” Following Claire’s death, the University of Plymouth, where she worked as a lecturer, paid an emotional tribute to her.
The university’s vice-chancellor, professor Richard Davies, said: “We have been shocked and saddened by the death of a much-loved member of our university community.” He continued: “Having spoken with Claire’s colleagues, I know that her contribution to Plymouth was significant and deeply felt – she was a respected nurse, lecturer, and personal tutor, ensuring students were supported academically and pastorally. As Associate Head of School for International in our School of Nursing and Midwifery, she was closely involved in developing nursing programmes, students and academics in Europe, Africa and Asia.
“As a colleague, Claire’s humour and warmth will be dearly missed by academic and support staff. Pastoral support is in place for staff and students who knew Claire and have been affected by this tragic news, and further events are being organised to remember her. In the meantime, our thoughts are with Claire’s family and friends at this impossibly difficult time.”
