A 53-year-old man has admitted to the murder of a university lecturer in a fatal stabbing that shocked the city of Plymouth earlier this year.
Paul Antony Butler pleaded guilty today at Plymouth Crown Court to the murder of 48-year-old Claire Chick during an incident that took place in January. He also admitted to a charge of possessing a bladed article.
Butler, of Stangray Avenue, Plymouth, appeared via video link from prison and spoke only to confirm his name and enter his pleas. He was visibly emotional during the short hearing, wiping away a tear as the charges were read out.
Claire Chick, a respected academic and university lecturer, was found fatally wounded at a property in the city. Emergency services had responded to the scene, but despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead.
Butler was arrested at the scene and charged shortly after.
Today’s guilty plea brings the case one step closer to sentencing. A full sentencing hearing is expected in the coming weeks, where further details surrounding the tragic incident will be heard in court.
