Latest news with #ClaireChick
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Petition to move Plymouth murderer into high security prison
The family of murdered Plymouth university lecturer Claire Chick has launched a petition in a bid to mandate category A prisons for Butler, 53, of Stangray Avenue, Plymouth, was jailed on 25 April for a minimum of 27 years for the murder of the 48-year Chick's daughter, Bethany Hancock-Baxter, said it was an "egregious oversight" that Butler had been placed in a category C prison following his crimes. She said convicted murderers should start their sentences in category A prisons for "public safety" and "justice". According to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), prisoners are categorised based on a number of different factors and via robust risk said category C prisons were "training and resettlement" prisons, which offered the opportunity for inmates to develop skills in order for them to find work and resettle back into the community upon it said high security category A prisons held male prisoners who, if they were to escape, pose the most threat to the public, the police or national security."Given the nature of their crimes, convicted murderers pose a significant threat to society and should therefore start their sentences in category A prisons," Ms Hancock-Baxter stated in the petition."This change is necessary not only for public safety but also as a measure of justice for the victims and their families who have suffered unimaginable loss." The MoJ said it was unable to comment on the location of individual prisoners, but said "Mr Butler will remain behind bars for many years to come."It said for guidance, the majority of male prisoners are held in category C prisons, adding a prisoner's categorisation was kept under regular review, and was based on a number of factors including a robust risk Chick was found seriously injured in West Hoe Road on the evening of 22 January and died later in footage showed her being stabbed by Butler at least 23 Robert Linford at Plymouth Crown Court told Butler it was "nothing less than sheer murderous brutality".
ITV News
03-05-2025
- ITV News
Almost a quarter of Devon and Cornwall Police officers plan to leave according to new survey
Nearly a quarter of Devon and Cornwall Police officers intend to resign from police service 'within the next two years' or 'as soon as [they] can' according to a new survey. The 2024 Police Federation of England and Wales Pay and Morale report found that 57% said they were facing low morale. The organisation surveyed 1,024 Devon and Cornwall Police officers and also found that: 77% feel 'worse off' financially now than they were five years ago 17% 'never' or 'almost never' have enough money to cover all their essentials 65% are dissatisfied with their pay 71% say they do not feel valued within the service 15% say they've suffered one or more injuries that required medical attention as a result of work-related violence in the last year 69% say their workload has been 'too high' or 'much too high' over the past year 81% say they've experienced feelings of stress, low mood or anxiety over the last 12 months Libby Squire: Mum of murdered student warns of 'red flag' signs of offending Claire Chick's murder triggers 'urgent police review' into stalking Rob Greening, secretary of Devon and Cornwall Police Federation, said: 'The pay and morale survey for Devon and Cornwall Police makes stark reading and unfortunately, when compared to previous years, the situation does not seem to be improving. 'Our members work in extremely stressful and dangerous situations, to afford the public the safety and protection they expect and deserve. "Some officers are having to use foodbanks, others struggle to pay their rent. This should not be the case. 'What the police take home is criminal. Officers have copped enough. Things need to change.' In response to the survey, Devon and Cornwall Chief Constable James Vaughan, said: "Policing remains a very challenging and difficult job, and despite increased demand and limited resources, our dedicated officers continue to fight crime and protect the public every day to make Devon and Cornwall safe. 'Since my appointment in December 2024, I have met over 2000 officers and staff in stations across the force area, to understand their roles and listen to their views, challenges and ideas. I will continue to spend time with staff and officers, to understand where support is needed to protect our workforce and improve morale. 'Officer numbers will continue to be boosted through the Government's Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, an investment into neighbourhood policing which will support the increase of neighbourhood officers in years to come and alleviating the pressure on our frontline. 'I want every member of the organisation to feel confident that their wellbeing is taken seriously and that they are being properly supported. I am committed to ensuring officers know that we are listening and feel valued and supported."
ITV News
25-04-2025
- ITV News
Claire Chick's murder triggers 'urgent police review' into stalking
The murder of a woman in Plymouth has triggered police to review their treatment of stalking. Claire Chick was murdered by her estranged husband, despite contacting police six times in the months before her death, an Independent Office for Police Conduct investigation found. She had told police that "obsessive stalking" by Paul Butler was making her life a "living hell" and that she believed he would kill her. On Friday 25 April, Butler was jailed for 26 years and nine months at Plymouth Crown Court after pleading guilty to the murder of his former wife, Claire Chick. Court hears of months of missed opportunities In the months leading up to her death Claire had told police that Butler was leaving threatening voice notes, phone calls, e-mails and hanging around outside her house. The court also heard that Butler placed a tracking device on Claire's car and told her he knew her exact movements which left her "frightened". He was arrested several times by police and released on bail. Her final statement, which she signed the day before her death, said: "I honestly feel like Butler will kill me if further action is not taken. I am constantly afraid of leaving my house. I am very fearful of what he has done to me and what he will do." Butler's sentencing coincides with National Stalking Awareness Week, running from 22-25 April. Recent data from Devon and Cornwall Police reveals a concerning 14.4% increase in stalking and harassment offences, with 14,457 incidents recorded between February 2024-February 2025. ' We need the behaviour of a lot of men to change' Alison Hernandez, Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "When you consider the murder of Claire Chick, another woman killed at the hands of a man, it represents a deeply-troubling pattern emerging in this region. "It's particularly distressing because any of us could find ourselves in such a devastating situation."Hernandez highlighted the persistent nature of stalking behaviours: "The reality is perpetrators of stalking rarely desist, and we know that 98% of women's murders involve a stalking element. "These individuals represent our most dangerous offenders, and we simply must do more to address this. We need the behaviour of a lot of men to change." She also acknowledged institutional responsibilities: "Many victims hesitate to come forward due to fear, and often remain with abusive partners because separation frequently triggers escalated violence. "We must recognise the extraordinarily challenging circumstances many victims face, and particularly, we need police forces to relentlessly pursue known repeat offenders and secure their imprisonment. We cannot place the entire burden of responsibility on the victims." She went on to highlight the wider issue across not just the region but the whole nation: "The reality is we have got too many men being violent, not just in Devon and Cornwall, but across the country and the globe. "We need some radical solutions to disrupt what's going on in our communities." Urgent police review into stalking Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew said: 'Having met some of Claire's family following her tragic death, the force has conducted an urgent review of all our active stalking investigations. 'This has resulted in immediate changes to our stalking and harassment procedures. New policies have been implemented to ensure we provide greater focus on safeguarding victims, targeting perpetrators at the earliest opportunity and encouraging reporting. 'One of our priorities is to ensure we continue to improve how we investigate stalking and harassment, focusing on dealing proactively with dangerous perpetrators and giving greater confidence to victims of this harmful and dangerous crime.' ' We have a responsibility to call out behaviour' Across the country, volunteer organisations are spearheading initiatives to transform male attitudes and behaviours towards women and girls. Man Culture, a group in Plymouth, works directly with men and boys through education, mentorship and community engagement to challenge harmful stereotypes and encourage respect for Young, a group member, said: "Our approach centres on addressing inappropriate behaviour safely and compassionately. We have a responsibility to call out behaviour." He said: "Progress is frustratingly slow, though inappropriate behaviour is being challenged more frequently than in the past. "When we contextualise these behaviours within a broader culture where rape and murder represent the extreme end of the spectrum. "Many men dissociate themselves, thinking 'I'm not committing rape or murder, therefore I'm not contributing to the problem'."He went on to say: "It's essential that men actively participate in these crucial conversations." Reach out for help and support First Light is a Cornwall-based charity that helps anyone who is experiencing or has experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence. Lyn Gooding, from the charity, said: "Claire was in fear of her life and sadly police didn't intervene soon enough in order to protect her, but it's really important that other people who may be experiencing this today reach out for help and support. "They've undertaken a review, they, you know, they're committed to giving the right response, and they should be held accountable to it, so make sure you make contact if you are scared today. "If friends or family are concerned about a relative or a friend and who they might be associated with, they themselves can go to the police and make a Claire's Law request. The police are then obliged to do an investigation to see if there's anything that might highlight a person being at risk, and then they will make a suitable disclosure to that individual."
BBC News
18-03-2025
- BBC News
Man admits killing University of Plymouth lecturer
Paul Antony Butler has pleaded guilty at Plymouth Crown Court to the murder of university lecturer Claire Chick, 53, of Stangray Avenue, Plymouth, also admitted one charge of possession of a bladed article. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on X to get the latest alerts.
Yahoo
26-01-2025
- Yahoo
Man, 53, charged with murder of university lecturer Claire Chick
A 53-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a university lecturer, Devon and Cornwall Police have said. Claire Chick, 48, was found injured on West Hoe Road, Plymouth, at 8.55pm on Wednesday. Ms Chick, who taught at the University of Plymouth's nursing school after a career in nursing, was taken to hospital but died on Thursday. Paul Butler, of Stangray Avenue, Plymouth, has been charged with her murder and is due to appear before Plymouth Magistrates' Court on Monday. Ms Chick, previously known as Claire Butler, had five grandchildren who call her "favourite grandma", according to her family. Her family added: "We are absolutely devastated and broken at the loss of our beautiful caring mother Claire Chick. "She was the most beautiful lively soul and was there for everyone." This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.
