Devon and Cornwall Police have initiated an urgent review of stalking cases following the murder of 48-year-old Claire Chick. The tragic incident occurred in Plymouth in January. Today, on March 18, Paul Antony Butler, aged 53, admitted to the murder during a court hearing at Plymouth Crown Court.

Butler, from Stangray Avenue, also pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article. The murder of Claire Chick has led to significant changes aimed at better protecting victims of stalking.

Interim Chief Constable, James Vaughan, QPM, made the announcement earlier this year at a crime panel. In his first appearance at a crime panel on January 31, Vaughan expressed his condolences for Claire's murder and revealed plans to carry out an urgent review of stalking cases within the police force.

Vaughan stated, As a result of that murder, I have ordered an urgent review operation of the outstanding stalking offences across the entire police force to ensure we are doing everything we can to reduce harm to stalking victims.

The announcement came after Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner, appointed James Vaughan as interim Chief Constable on December 13. Vaughan has been working on improving safety and support for stalking victims in Devon and Cornwall.