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Man charged with murder of much loved nurse lecturer

A man has been charged with the murder of Claire Chick, a nursing lecturer at the University of Plymouth. Tributes poured in from her family, friends and colleagues, with the university community describing her as ‘a dedicated educator and compassionate mentor’. Paul Butler is due to appear before Plymouth Magistrates Court after being charged with her murder.
Family, friends and university colleagues have expressed shock at the death of nursing lecturer Claire Chick

A man has been charged with the murder of nursing lecturer Claire Chick as shocked university colleagues remember ‘a dedicated educator and compassionate mentor’

Family, friends and university colleagues have expressed shock at the death of nursing lecturer Claire Chick
Family, friends and University of Plymouth colleagues have expressed shock and paid tribute to nursing lecturer Claire Chick who was found seriously injured on 22 January and later died in hospital Picture University of Plymouth

A man has been charged with the murder of a ‘much loved’ nursing lecturer who died after sustaining fatal injuries.

Family, friends and colleagues have expressed their sadness, disbelief and anger in tributes over the death of Claire Chick, previously known as Claire Butler, who leaves behind two children and five grandchildren.

Paul Butler, 53, of Stangray Avenue, Plymouth, is due to appear before Plymouth Magistrate’s Court today (27 January) after being charged with murder..

University community ‘shocked and saddened by the death of a much-loved member’

University of Plymouth vice chancellor Richard Davies said the university community was ‘shocked and saddened by the death of a much-loved member.’

Ms Chick was associate head of school for international in the school of nursing and midwifery. She had been involved in developing nursing programmes in Europe, Africa and Asia.

Professor Davies 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.

University of Plymouth professor of nursing Bridie Kent wrote on X: ‘Claire was one awesome and inspiring person who truly didn’t deserve this early end to her life. I’m proud to have employed her, known her as a friend and supported her recently. Let’s celebrate her life and not give any time for the killer.’

In a statement released through Devon and Cornwall Police, Ms Chick’s family invited anyone who knew her to share their memories of her.

‘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. Everyone who knew our mum had so many positive words to say about her. She was the life and soul of any place.

Friend starts fundraising page to raise money towards cost of funeral

‘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.

‘We want to thank everyone for their kind words, and we invite anyone who knew her to share their memories of her’.

Senior investigating officer detective inspector Rob Smith said: ‘We continue to support Claire’s family at what is an extremely awful time for them. I would ask for their privacy to be respected and to allow them the space to grieve.’

A friend has started a fundraising page to raise money towards the cost of the funeral.


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