Paul Butler’s pre-trial hearing, facing murder and weapons charges in the Claire Chick case, is delayed until later this month.
The incident occurred on January 22nd. Claire Chick, a university lecturer, was found seriously injured in West Hoe Road and later died at Derriford Hospital.
Police arrested Butler near Liskeard in Cornwall, about 20 miles from Plymouth. An inquest opened on February 12th, with Alison Longhorn serving as the area coroner.
Longhorn noted Chick had multiple stab wounds, and her condition worsened, leading to her death. A police inquiry started, and a man was charged with murder.
The medical cause of death is stab wounds to the chest and abdomen. Lab results are pending. Butler entered no pleas at Truro Crown Court and was held in custody since then.
A trial date was set for July 14th at Plymouth Crown Court. The preparation hearing was initially scheduled for March 3rd.
Legal issues caused the delay, and the pre-trial hearing moved to March 18th. Judge Robert Linford urged caution, stating that social media posts can affect the trial. He also asked for responsible media reporting, emphasizing measured and accurate coverage to avoid potentially prejudicing the trial with public opinions.