Plymouth Plus was first to report on the shocking West Hoe Road incident on the night of 22 January.
During today’s sentencing hearing at Plymouth Crown Court, the prosecution revealed that Butler had purchased three knives earlier that day and put a tracker into Claire's car.
He told police that he had intended to confront Paul Maxwell, who had entered into a relationship with Claire after her separation from Butler.
Instead, he waited near Claire’s home and launched a violent and fatal attack on her, stabbing her 23 times.
The court heard that Claire had reported Butler to police six times before her death.
This is the full timeline of the tragic events that led to today’s sentencing.
Sentencing at Plymouth Crown Court, His Honour Judge Linford described Butler’s actions as “a frenzied and deliberately murderous attack” carried out after a sustained campaign of stalking, coercive control, and psychological abuse.
The court heard Butler had become increasingly obsessive in the months following the breakdown of their marriage.
Claire made six separate police reports in the months leading up to her death, saying she was being followed, watched, and threatened. She even told police she feared he would kill her.
Butler, 53, stabbed Claire more than 20 times in what the judge called “sheer murderous activity".
He had been on bail at the time for previous stalking offences and had placed a tracker on Claire’s car to monitor her movements. He had also changed his Facebook name to “Stangray Strangler,” a detail described in court as chilling.
The prosecution cited significant planning, including the purchase of three knives and camouflage clothing, and presented evidence of a pattern of control that began even before the couple were married.
His Honour Judge Linford said Butler had sought to isolate and dominate Claire, and described the case as a “story of obsession and control.”
He told Butler: “You caused untold suffering to her family and friends. Her loss has left an irreplaceable void. You are responsible for their suffering and you alone.”
The court also heard how Claire had felt guilty for trying to leave Butler and had attended counselling in an attempt to make things work.
She even supported him through multiple suicide attempts and hospital stays, despite knowing she was no longer safe.
In mitigation, Butler’s barrister Adam Vaitilingam KC said there was little that could be offered. He said Butler had shown remorse, written a letter to the court “soaked through with regret,” and had entered an early guilty plea.
Judge Linford confirmed that had it not been for the guilty plea, the minimum term would have been set at 32 years. He reduced it to 27 years, minus 88 days already served on remand.
Turning to Claire’s family, the judge praised the “quiet and dignified” way they had conducted themselves throughout the painful proceedings, acknowledging the strength it had taken to sit through the harrowing details of the case.
If anyone has been affected by this incident, or feels unsafe, there are services available in the city to provide support.
Details can be found on the Plymouth City Council’s website at: Plymouth support offer | PLYMOUTH.GOV.UK
There is also a 24-hour Victim Support helpline on 0808 168 9111. You can also visit our dedicated help and support page here.
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