The story of 48-year-old Plymouth nurse and lecturer Claire Chick is one of the clearest and most devastating examples of the dangers of stalking, coercive control, and domestic abuse escalation.

Claire repeatedly sought help. Court proceedings heard that she contacted police six times in the months before her death, reporting harassment, stalking, threats, unwanted contact, and a tracking device allegedly placed on her car by her estranged husband, Paul Butler. She told officers she was frightened and believed his behaviour was escalating. (ITVX)

The day before she was killed, Claire signed a statement saying:

“I honestly feel like Butler will kill me if further action is not taken. I am constantly afraid of leaving my house.” (ITVX)

On 22 January 2025, Butler stabbed Claire more than 23 times outside her home in Plymouth. He later pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of more than 26 years. (Crown Prosecution Service)

What makes this case particularly disturbing is that many of the warning signs often seen in high-risk domestic abuse cases were reportedly present:

• Repeated stalking and surveillance.
• Obsessive behaviour after separation.
• Refusal to accept the end of the relationship.
• Tracking movements.
• Escalating harassment.
• Threats and intimidation.
• Previous police involvement.
• The victim explicitly stating she feared being killed. (ITVX)

Following Claire’s murder, there were reviews of how stalking cases were handled, and the case prompted wider discussion about whether warning signs are being identified and acted upon quickly enough when victims repeatedly report escalating abuse. (ITVX)

Claire’s daughters, family, friends, colleagues, and students have continued to speak publicly about her life and legacy. She was widely remembered as a respected nurse, lecturer, mother, grandmother, and a person known for her warmth, humour, and dedication to helping others. (ITVX)

Cases like Claire’s are often discussed by domestic abuse specialists because they highlight an important reality: stalking after separation is not simply persistence or difficulty letting go. In some situations, it can be part of a pattern of coercive control and escalating risk that requires urgent intervention. (ITVX)