Just before 9pm, emergency services were called to West Hoe Road in Plymouth. Claire Chick, 48, was found with multiple stab wounds. She was taken to Derriford Hospital, where she died a few hours later.

Earlier that day, Paul Butler was seen on CCTV buying three knives from Sainsbury’s on Armada Way. He told police he intended to use one to "hurt or confront" Claire’s new partner, Paul Maxwell.

He claimed he wanted to frighten him or damage his car. Instead, he waited near Claire’s home and carried out a violent and deliberate attack, stabbing her 23 times. The court was told she had no chance of survival.

Butler ran from the scene and was seen in the area of the Marsh Mills Premier Inn. He then spent the night in the woods near Saltram House.

The following morning, Butler abandoned his car in the Southway area. He took a train to Liskeard and checked into a hotel.

Later that day, he took an overdose and was found in a bad state. He was taken to Derriford Hospital and arrested by the police.

At Plymouth Crown Court, Butler pleaded guilty to murder and possession of a bladed article.

His Honour Judge Linford sentenced Paul Butler to life in prison with a minimum term of 27 years for the murder of his estranged wife, university lecturer Claire Chick. He was also handed 18 months for the possession of the knife, to run concurrently.