A man in his 50s has appeared in court today charged with the murder of a nurse academic in Devon.

Nurse and University of Plymouth lecturer Claire Chick was rushed to hospital last Wednesday, with serious injuries after an incident near the city’s waterfront.

“Her contribution to Plymouth was significant and deeply felt – she was a respected nurse, lecturer, and personal tutor”

Richard Davies

Ms Chick, 48, associate head of school for international at the University of Plymouth’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, was later pronounced dead in hospital.

Paul Butler, of Stangray Avenue, Plymouth, was subsequently arrested and charged on suspicion of murdering Ms Chick on 22 January.

Butler, 53, appeared in court today for the case to be allocated. He spoke to confirm his personal details at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court and was remanded in custody, according to local press reports.

Officers from Devon and Cornwall Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, who are conducting the murder investigation, released a statement on Friday that formally identified the victim.

Ms Chick – previously known as Claire Butler – had been at the University of Plymouth as a lecturer since 2015, before that having worked as a cardiac research nurse at the University of Leicester.

Prior to her university career, she worked for the health service as a cardiac nurse at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.

In a tribute within the police statement, which was made after Ms Chick’s death was made public, her family described her as a “beautiful, caring mother” who they were devastated to have lost.

“Everyone who knew our mum had so [many] positive words to say about her,” they said. “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,” they said.

“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.”

Her family added that Ms Chick had five grandchildren, who knew her as “a favourite grandma”, and requested their privacy was respected.

They further said: “She may be gone but her spirit will always remain alive. We love you mum, and we promise to make you proud.”

University of Plymouth vice-chancellor Professor Richard Davies offered his condolences on behalf of those who worked with Ms Chick.

He said: “We have been shocked and saddened by the death of a much-loved member of our university community

“Having spoken with Claire’s colleagues, I know that her contribution to Plymouth was significant and deeply felt – she was a respected nurse, lecturer, and personal tutor, ensuring students were supported academically and pastorally.”

Ms Chick had been involved in the development of nursing education programmes across Europe, Africa and Asia in her international role in the university’s nursing school, Professor Davies said.

“As a colleague, Claire’s humour and warmth will be dearly missed by academic and support staff,” he added.

“Pastoral support is in place for staff and students who knew Claire and have been affected by this tragic news, and further events are being organised to remember her.

“In the meantime, our thoughts are with Claire’s family and friends at this impossibly difficult time.”