Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez has spoken out after stalking victim Claire Chick’s killer was handed a life sentence at Plymouth Crown Court today.

Paul Butler, 52, admitted the murder of former partner Claire Chick in on the night of Wednesday, January 22.

He attacked 48-year-old university lecturer Claire Chick outside her home in West Hoe Road in Plymouth. She was stabbed more than 23 times and died in hospital as a result of her injuries.

Butler, of Stangray Avenue, pleaded guilty to murder and possession of a bladed article when he appeared in court in March.

Today he was sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court to life in prison to serve a minimum of 27 years. He was also handed an 18-month sentence for possession of a knife, to run concurrently.

Sentencing Butler, Judge Robert Linford said the case was a story of “obsession and control”.

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “The brutal murder of Claire Chick is a tragedy and my thoughts are with Claire’s family, friends, colleagues, and everyone affected by this horrific crime.

“The statistics on violence against women and girls are truly shocking – on average, one woman is killed by an abusive partner or ex every five days in England and Wales. One in five women will be stalked in her lifetime, and one in four will experience domestic abuse. These are our mothers, daughters, sisters and friends.

“Many women feel unable to report to police for fear of not being believed, being trivialised, or coming to serious harm – or worse – as a result of coming forward.

“That’s why we need new, robust, radical strategies to give women and girls the confidence that we can, and will, prevent violence and abuse from happening, intervene before offences escalate to a dangerous level, and catch perpetrators and bring them to justice.

“I will continue to work with the Chief Constable, local authorities, victim services and national government to ensure we protect the most vulnerable and stop this harm at its roots.

“We all have a part to play in keeping the people we know and love safe. If you are concerned about the behaviour of someone you know, there are systems in place to help, including Sarah’s Law and Claire’s Law.

“My Victim Care website (victimcare-dc.org) has information on how to get help, and if you are experiencing domestic abuse you can get in touch with support services through this website even if you haven’t reported to police.”