LASTING TRIBUTE TO TEACHER PAUL

TRIBUTES have been paid to Hoddesdon school teacher Paul Butterworth
in the week his killer was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

On Monday soldier Laurie Draper, 31, who had pleaded guilty to the
manslaughter of the teacher on the grounds of diminished
responsibility, was jailed.

Mike Rye, deputy headteacher of Sheredes School, where Mr Butterworth
worked as a craft and design teacher, said: "Paul was a much valued
colleague and will be remembered by generations of students for both
his skills as a technology teacher, but especially for his kindness
and the support he showed to students who experienced difficult times."

Mr Butterworth's love of animals - birds in particular - and his
talents as a sculptor have been marked by the carved owls that stand
at the main school entrance. Trees will be planted as a backdrop to
this fitting memorial.

The Paul Butterworth Award, which mirrors the carved owls, has also
been created and will be presented annually to the student who has
made a contribution to school life by helping others.

Det Chf Insp Colin Sparrow said:. "This was a very tragic case for
everyone involved.

"Paul was a much-loved teacher who will be remembered for his
dedication to his pupils and to the staff.

"I hope the conclusion of the case will bring some closure to Paul's
family and friends and that they can begin to rebuild their lives."

KILLER GETS 10 YEARS

A SOLDIER who killed a Hoddesdon teacher with garden shears during a
"psychotic and frenzied" attack was jailed for 10 years at St Albans
crown court on Monday.

Laurie Draper, 31, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Sheredes
School craft and design teacher Paul Butterworh, 53, on the grounds
of diminished responsibility after smoking cannabis.

The attack took place at the Stanstead Road home of Mr Butterworth on March 7.

Draper was visiting Mr Butterworth's son Ashley, 33, who was a
childhood friend. The three men had smoked cannabis together.

Ann Evans prosecuting said after one pull on the pipe Ashley observed
Draper to be "euphoric, giggling and obviously enjoying the
experience." He asked for a second pipe and then his manner changed.

At first he stripped out of his clothes, throwing his T-shirt onto a
fire in the front room. He turned on the kitchen taps throwing water
over his body, the walls and floor.

The court heard that in the hallway Draper punched Mr Butterworth
twice in the face. He then grabbed hold of some long handled tree
loppers, lifted them above his head and then struck downwards towards
Paul Butterworth's head.

The court was told the first blow probably killed the teacher, but he
continued the savage attack.

The prosecutor said Ashley described the defendant as "psychotic and
frenzied". His face was blank.

Draper also admitted assaulting Ashley causing actual bodily harm,
for which he received a 15 month jail sentence to run concurrently.

Draper was suffering from hypomania, a disorder where the mood is
irritable to an abnormal degree.

Stephen Akinsanya defending described the offence as "tragic and
senseless" and committed on a man who Draper looked on as a family
friend and with the greatest respect.

"The defendant will have to live with the consequences of what he did
to the Butterworth family for the rest of his life."

Draper, through him, wanted to apologise to the family.

Passing sentence Judge Findlay Baker QC said: "This was an appalling
attack of extreme and persistent violence. It wouldn't have happened
if you had not consumed cannabis.