THE family of a university lecturer murdered by her estranged husband are furious he has been moved to a “soft” jail.
Paul Butler, 53, knifed Claire Chick, 48, at least 23 times in the street following a six-month stalking campaign.
PAMurderer Paul Butler has been moved to a ‘soft’ jail[/caption]
UnpixsButler knifed university lecturer Claire Chick, 48, at least 23 times following a six-month stalking campaign[/caption]
Claire’s family are furious with the decision to move him to a Category C prison, Paul and Claire pictured
Ex-bouncer Butler — jailed for a minimum of 27 years in April — has been transferred to Category C HMP Aylesbury.
Lags spend over eight hours a day out of cells and have access to a gym and pool tables.
Claire’s family have set up an 18,000-signature petition demanding all murderers start sentences in Category A jails.
Daughter Bethany said: “We are a family completely shattered by this diabolical decision of our ‘justice’ system.”
“In our opinion, anyone convicted of murder should at least begin their sentence in a Category A prison.
“We feel our mother was let down by our local police force, and now we continue to lose faith in the justice system.”
Claire’s partner at the time of her death, Paul Maxwell, voiced his support when the petition launched, saying: “These women deserve justice.
“It’s them and those family members and people close to them that live the true life sentence, whilst the perpetrators don’t.”
Last week the University of Plymouth awarded Claire a posthumous PhD.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “This was a horrific crime and our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Claire Chick.
“While we cannot comment on the location of individual prisoners, Mr Butler will remain behind bars for many years to come, as is right.”
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