CLIVE BUTCHER'S TRAGIC CRIME IN IPSWICH: FROM CHILD PORN CHARGES TO MANSLAUGHTER

In April 2010, a disturbing case unfolded involving Clive Butcher, a man with a deeply troubled past, who was convicted of manslaughter after fatally stabbing his girlfriend, Rebecca Hoban, in Ipswich. The incident occurred amidst a heated argument over drugs, culminating in a violent assault that ended her life.

Clive Butcher, aged 44 at the time, was known to many in Ipswich, having previously resided at the Salvation Army hostel on Fore Street. His notoriety was established years earlier when he appeared on BBC1’s Crimewatch in 2006, following a series of serious allegations. Officers from Suffolk Constabulary’s high-tech crime unit had uncovered a disturbing collection of child pornography on his computer, which led to his initial arrest and subsequent flight from justice.

Authorities discovered that between January 1, 2002, and October 12, 2004, Butcher had downloaded a total of 1,689 indecent images of children. These images were categorized into various levels of severity, with 1,596 at level one, 47 at level two, 28 at level three, and 18 at level four, the second most serious grade. Despite being convicted in his absence, Butcher managed to evade trial by fleeing the country, initially believed to have gone to Spain. However, law enforcement tracked him down to Ireland, where he was working as an electrician.

In April 2007, Irish authorities, specifically Gardai, arrested Butcher and extradited him back to Suffolk. He faced charges for possessing and making indecent images of children. At Ipswich Crown Court, he received a six-month sentence for these offenses, along with an additional month for failing to attend his trial. After serving his time, Butcher returned to Ireland, where he met Rebecca Hoban, a young mother, with whom he shared a history of drug addiction and homelessness.

The tragic incident took place on December 17, 2008, in Dublin. According to court proceedings, Butcher and Hoban had spent the afternoon drinking and using heroin. That evening, a violent altercation erupted, reportedly over money for drugs. During the confrontation, Butcher stabbed Hoban multiple times with a bread knife—six times in her back—resulting in her death. Following the attack, Butcher called emergency services, claiming that Hoban was “dying rapidly on the floor” and describing himself as “evil” for what he had done. He told the 999 operator that he had stabbed her three or four times.

In subsequent police interviews, Butcher recounted a violent struggle that ensued during the fight, which was triggered by the argument over drug money. He expressed remorse, stating, “I’m sorry it happened, I loved the girl.” Despite his apologies, the court found him guilty of manslaughter in February, after a trial. The sentencing was delayed until this week, when Mr. Justice George Birmingham emphasized the tragedy of the case, noting that Butcher’s actions occurred at a time when he appeared to be attempting to turn his life around. He was participating in a resettlement program aimed at helping homeless men, making the loss of Hoban even more poignant.

Clive Butcher’s criminal history is extensive, with 16 convictions in the UK alone, including serious offenses related to child exploitation. His case remains a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of a life marred by crime and addiction, culminating in the tragic death of Rebecca Hoban in Dublin.