Petition calls for Claire Chick's killer to be held in highest rated prison category

More than 1,000 people have backed the campaign by Claire's family

People attending a vigil in memory of Claire Chick organised by her daughters Bethany and Lydia at Smeaton's Tower lighthouse on Plymouth's Hoe
Author: Andrew KayPublished 5th Jun 2025
Last updated 5th Jun 2025

More than 1.000 people have now signed a petition by the family of murdered Plymouth university lecturer Claire Chick.

It calls for those who've committed the most serious articles to be held in a category A prison.

Earlier this year 53 year old Paul Butler, from the city's Stangray Avenue was jailed for a minimum of 27 years for the murder of the 48-year old.

Claire's family say he's being held in a category C - or training and resettlement prison - which is known for its efforts to help inmates develop new skills for life afterwards.

Court artist sketch dated 27/1/2025 by Elizabeth Cook of Paul Butler who has pleaded guilty at Plymouth Crown Court to the murder of university lecturer Claire Chick, 48. He also pleaded guilty to possessing a knife

They think he should be in a category A which 'manage and monitor the most dangerous offenders'.

The Ministry of Justice says it doesn't comment on individual cases.

The petition can be found here

For more about the judge's sentencing remarks click here

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