Ex-partner sobs as he pleads GUILTY to murder of ‘kind-hearted’ gran-of-five after she was stabbed to death in street
THE former partner of a “kind-hearted” gran-of-five found stabbed to death in the street sobbed as he pleaded guilty to murder today.
Claire Chick, 48, was discovered seriously injured in Plymouth, Devon, in January.
Tragically she could not be saved and was declared dead in hospital the following morning.
Her ex-partner Paul Butler appeared at Plymouth Crown Court today where he pleaded guilty to her murder.
The 53-year-old, who wiped away tears as he entered his pleas, also admitted possessing a knife.
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 January 22.
An inquest heard Claire died after suffering multiple stab wounds.
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.
“She loved to dance and sing, even though she was pretty bad at it; she had no shame in doing it in front of any audience.
“We will never get over this as a family, she was our glue and our go-to.
“We won’t ever get the justice our mum deserves for this, because no amount of justice will bring her back.”
Vice-chancellor Professor Richard Davies said the university was “shocked and saddened” by Claire’s death.
He said: “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.”