An urgent investigation has been launched into police actions after a woman was murdered by her estranged husband, despite having reported his threatening behaviour to authorities on multiple occasions in the year leading up to her death.
Tragic Case of Claire Chick
Claire Chick, a 48-year-old woman, was killed by her estranged husband Paul Butler in January 2025. The tragedy occurred despite Ms Chick having contacted Devon and Cornwall Police several times throughout 2024 to report Butler's concerning and threatening behaviour towards her.
Multiple Reports Ignored
According to information emerging about this distressing case, Ms Chick made numerous attempts to alert police to the danger she faced from her estranged husband. The frequency and seriousness of these reports, which spanned approximately a year before her death, have raised significant questions about the police response and whether more could have been done to protect her.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now examining the circumstances surrounding police interactions with Ms Chick prior to her murder. This investigation will scrutinise:
- The nature and number of reports made by Ms Chick
- How Devon and Cornwall Police responded to these reports
- Whether appropriate safeguarding measures were implemented
- If there were missed opportunities to prevent this tragedy
Broader Implications for Domestic Violence Response
This case has highlighted ongoing concerns about how police forces across the UK handle domestic violence reports, particularly when victims have made multiple attempts to seek help. Domestic violence charities have long emphasised the heightened danger period when victims attempt to leave abusive relationships, making effective police intervention critically important.
The murder of Claire Chick represents not just a personal tragedy for her family and friends, but also a systemic failure that demands thorough examination and meaningful change in how vulnerable individuals are protected from known threats.
As the investigation progresses, there will be calls for greater accountability and improved protocols to ensure that when victims report threatening behaviour, their concerns are taken seriously and appropriate protective measures are implemented without delay.
