A man accused of murdering a 'beautiful' university lecturer has appeared in court.
Paul Butler, 53, was arrested last week after a manhunt and charged with murder and possession of a bladed article before a judge in Plymouth this morning.
It came after Claire Chick, 48, was found seriously injured on West Hoe Road last Wednesday evening. She later died in hospital.
Butler, wearing a gray tracksuit, was escorted to the dock flanked by two security guards, taking a brief look at the public gallery where several of Ms Chick's relatives cried and held each other during the brief hearing.
The judge at Plymouth Magistrates Court asked him twice to confirm his name before whispering the answer and giving an address on Stangray Avenue, Plymouth.
With family members nearby, District Judge Stuart Smith ordered prosecutors not to read a summary of the offences, and no bail application was made.
A plea and case management hearing was scheduled for March 3 at Plymouth Crown Court, with a bail application hearing on Tuesday (January 28) at the same court.
Addressing the family sitting at the back of the courtroom, Judge Smith said: “To the family and friends present today, I would like to express my sincere condolences to you all.
Court artist's sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Paul Butler (left) appearing at Plymouth Magistrates' Court charged with the murder of Claire Chick
Claire Chick, 48, a lecturer in adult nursing at the University of Plymouth, was murdered in the West Hoe area last Wednesday
Claire pictured with 53-year-old Paul Butler, who has been charged with murder
'The pain, fear and loss you must feel is unimaginable.'
Mrs Chick, formerly known as Claire Butler, had five grandchildren who she calls her 'favourite grandma', according to her family who paid a heartbreaking tribute this week.
Butler sparked a widespread manhunt after he was named a suspect following the murder. He was found by officers 30 kilometers away in Launceston on Friday and was charged with the offenses on Sunday.
In a statement, issued through Devon and Cornwall Police, the family said: 'We are absolutely devastated and devastated by the loss of our beautiful, caring mother Claire Chick.
'She was the most beautiful vibrant soul and was there for everyone. Everyone who knew our mother had so many positive words to say about her.
“She was the life and soul of every place she was.
'She loved to dance and sing, even though she was quite bad at it, she was not ashamed to do it in front of any audience.
'As a family we will never get over this, she was our glue and our permanent point of contact. We will never get the justice our mother deserves for this because no amount of justice will bring her back.
Police have set up a police cordon between Great Western Road and West Hoe Road after Ms Chick was found 'seriously injured' in the street
Forensic officers used torches to search the street as they worked late into the night
'We would like to thank everyone for their kind words and invite everyone who knew her to share their memories of her.
“We would also like to remind the public that she leaves behind five beautiful grandchildren who all call her 'a favorite grandma.'
“We ask that you respect their privacy, and everyone remains respectful of them.
“She may be gone, but her spirit will always remain alive. We love you, Mom, and we promise to make you proud.”
Vice-Chancellor of Plymouth University – where Claire worked – Professor Richard Davies said: “We are shocked and saddened by the death of a much-loved member of our university community.
'Having spoken to Claire's colleagues, I know her contribution to Plymouth was significant and deeply felt: she was a respected nurse, teacher and personal tutor, who ensured 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 the development of nursing programmes, students and academics in Europe, Africa and Asia.
'As a colleague, Claire's humor and warmth will be greatly missed by the academic and support staff.
Claire (pictured) was a lecturer in adult nursing at the University of Plymouth
'Pastoral support is available for staff and students who knew Claire and have been affected by this tragic news, and further events are being organized to remember her.
'In the meantime, our thoughts are with Claire's family and friends at this impossibly difficult time.'
Senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Rob Smith said: “We have specialist officers on site to continue to provide support to Claire's family.
'Our investigation is ongoing and I would like to thank the local community for their support as we conducted our investigation over the last few days.'
