Obsessed Ex Attacked in Cold Blood
A man who stalked, harassed and ultimately murdered his estranged wife in a brutal street attack has been jailed for life. Paul Butler, 53, lay in wait outside the home of university lecturer Claire Chick in Plymouth, ambushed her as she stepped outside and stabbed her more than 20 times. The calculated and frenzied killing marked the horrifying end of a six-month campaign of abuse in which Butler ignored restraining orders, planted tracking devices on Claire’s car, and made repeated threats of violence.
Six Months of Fear
Claire, 48, had tried repeatedly to get help after ending her brief and troubled marriage to Butler in August 2024. She reported his behaviour to police six times, detailing harassment, threats and stalking. On the very day before her murder, she warned police: “I only feel that Butler will kill me if further action is not taken.” Despite three previous arrests and a court order banning contact, Butler continued to follow her, harass her and monitor her every move.
Final Moments Caught in Terror
On the morning of January 23, 2025, Butler dressed in a camouflaged hoodie and waited outside Claire’s home. As she stepped out, he launched a savage knife attack. Her new partner, Paul Maxwell, witnessed the murder and was chased by Butler, who shouted: “I’ll f***ing do you too.” After fleeing the scene, Butler confessed to a friend over McDonald’s: “I killed her. I tried to get him, but he ran.”
Warnings Ignored, System Questioned
An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now underway into Claire’s previous contact with police. Claire had expressed growing fear for her safety and a sense that her concerns were not being acted on. Butler had changed his Facebook name to “Stangray Strangler” the day before the murder. Claire’s tragic final text to a friend read: “I just wish he would get on with it and put me out of my misery.”
Victim’s Family Speaks Out
Claire’s father, Alan Butler, described her killer as a “nasty narcissist” and told the court: “You’ve broken my heart and robbed the world of a high achiever… I rage with anger at what you’ve done.” Her partner, Paul Maxwell, called her “beautiful, funny and kind,” adding that “no punishment can undo what has been done.” Both called for greater protections for women facing stalking and abuse.
Sentence and System Reforms
Butler pleaded guilty at Plymouth Crown Court to murder and possessing a knife. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 27 years. Judge Robert Linford called the attack “frenzied, brutal, murderous” and slammed Butler’s “obsession and control.” Following the tragedy, Devon and Cornwall Police say they’ve overhauled their stalking response procedures, promising earlier intervention and stronger safeguarding to prevent another tragedy like Claire’s.
If You Need Support
If you are affected by domestic abuse, you can contact Women’s Aid or Refuge. In an emergency, call 999. For help with stalking, contact the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300.
