Paul Antony Butler pleads guilty to murdering Plymouth University lecturer

Paul Antony Butler, 53, has confessed to murdering university lecturer Claire Chick, 48, during an incident in Plymouth in January. He also pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of a bladed article

A murder became tearful as he pleaded guilty to the murder of a lecturer at Plymouth University.

Paul Antony Butler, 53, confessed to murdering Claire Chick, 48, following an incident earlier this year. The mother was stabbed to death during a crazed attack in January.

She tragically died after suffering from multiple stab wounds on January 22.

Alison Longhorn, area coroner for Devon, earlier said at an inquest: "The circumstances of the death are that on January 22, Claire was admitted to Derriford Hospital having been found in the street with multiple stab wounds. Following her admittance, her condition deteriorated and she sadly passed away.

"A major police enquiry was launched following which a male has been charged with her murder. Presently, the medical cause of death, pending the results of a laboratory investigation, is stab wounds to the chest and abdomen."

Butler, of Stangray Avenue, Plymouth spoke only to confirm his name and enter his pleas during the hearing at Plymouth Crown Court. The defendant, who appeared on video link from prison, appeared to wipe a tear away from his face as he entered his pleas.

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