THE former partner of a “kind-hearted” gran-of-five found “attacked” in the street has appeared in court charged with her murder.
Claire Chick, 48, was discovered seriously injured in Plymouth, Devon, on Wednesday evening.
PAA court sketch of Paul Butler (left) appearing at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court today[/caption]
FACEBOOK/UNPIXSClaire Chick was found in the street with serious injuries[/caption]
Tragically she could not be saved and was declared dead in hospital the following morning.
Her ex-partner Paul Butler appeared at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court today charged with her murder.
Claire’s family were in court as Butler, 53, was remanded into custody following a short hearing.
He has been ordered to appear before a crown court on January 28.
A further hearing has also been fixed for March 3.
District Judge Stuart Smith told Butler: “These matters are going to be sent to the crown court.
“You will be committed into custody. You will have a hearing tomorrow at the crown court where a crown court judge will consider your remand status further.”
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 Wednesday.
Claire was rushed to hospital from the scene, but died of her injuries in the early hours of the following morning.
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.”
PAPaul Butler has been charged with murder[/caption]
PAClaire died in hospital following the horror[/caption]
FACEBOOK/UNPIXSHer family have paid tribute[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
