Man charged with murder of Devon mum, 48

A man has been charged with murder following the death of a much-loved Devon mum, grandmother and university lecturer.

Claire Chick, 48, died earlier this week during an incident on Wednesday, January 22.

Paul Butler, 53, of Stangray Avenue, Plymouth, has been charged with her murder. He is due to appear before Plymouth Magistrate’s Court on Monday January 27.

An investigation was launched by police after they were called to West Hoe Road on Wednesday January 22 to reports of a woman seriously injured.

Emergency services attended the scene and the woman, now formally identified as Claire Chick, was taken to hospital where she was sadly pronounced deceased.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Rob Smith said: “We have specialist officers in place 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 whilst we have carried out our enquiries over the past few days.”

Claire's death has shocked and devastated family and friends with tributes pouring in for the Plymouth University lecturer.

Her family said: "We are absolutely devastated and broken at the loss of our beautiful caring mother Claire Chick. She was the most beautiful, lively soul and was there for everyone.

“Everyone who knew our mum had so much positive words to say about her. She was the life and soul of any place where she was. She loved to dance and sing even though she was pretty bad at it she had no shame in doing it in front of any audience.

"We will never get over this as a family, she was our glue and our go-to. We won't ever get the justice our mum deserves for this because no amount of justice will bring her back.

"We want to thank everyone for their kind words, and we invite anyone who knew her to share their memories of her. We also would like to remind the public she leaves behind five beautiful grandchildren who all refer to her as 'a favourite grandma'."