Family Trio Sentenced to Life for Premeditated Murder
A mother and her two adult children have been handed life sentences for the brutal murder of a relative in a revenge attack that was meticulously planned and recorded on a mobile phone. Joanne Maxwell, aged 44, her son Liam Donlin, 25, and daughter Amie Clegg, 22, were convicted of killing Paul Scott, 37, outside his home in Blackburn.
Chilling Plot and Execution
The court heard how the trio worked as a coordinated team to lure Mr Scott to his doorstep in the early hours of June 21 last year. Armed with knives, they drove to his flat with the intention of carrying out what prosecutors described as a revenge attack stemming from a long-standing feud. Amie Clegg, who maintained a friendly relationship with the victim, was tasked with coaxing him to the front door while simultaneously filming the approach on her brother's mobile device.
As Mr Scott answered the door bare-chested, Liam Donlin plunged a 20-centimeter kitchen knife into his chest, penetrating his heart. Despite Clegg's recorded plea of "Don't actually stab him," the fatal blow was delivered. The attack was allegedly filmed with the intention of posting the footage on social media as a warning to others.
Background of the Feud
The murder plot originated from a perceived slight during a family gathering celebrating Amie Clegg's 21st birthday the previous year. During that event, Maxwell and her partner had been involved in a physical altercation with another attendee, Charlie Elliott, who was accompanied by Paul Scott. In the subsequent months, Maxwell made repeated threats against both Mr Scott and Mr Elliott.
Mr Scott had expressed genuine fear for his life, telling his niece, "They're going to get me. You wait - they're going to get me." His premonition proved tragically accurate when the family trio arrived at his home armed with lethal weapons.
Attempted Cover-Up and Evidence
Following the stabbing, Clegg placed a 999 emergency call using a false name, claiming they had discovered Mr Scott already injured during a visit. However, forensic evidence contradicted this account. Two knives matching those missing from a set at the family home were discovered in the kitchen sink, while a third knife was found on the back seat of Maxwell's vehicle.
During the trial at Preston Crown Court, all three defendants denied the murder charge. Only Donlin took the witness stand, claiming he had merely intended to threaten Mr Scott rather than kill him. Maxwell and Clegg declined to provide statements to police and did not testify in their defense.
Verdict and Sentencing
After just three hours of deliberation, the jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts against all three defendants for murder. The two women were additionally convicted of possession of a bladed article, a charge Donlin had previously admitted.
Mr Justice Bryan, presiding over the case, described Paul Scott's death as "a needless tragedy over a very trivial sleight." He emphasized the lifelong impact on Mr Scott's family, noting that the victim was "a kind, compassionate man with his whole life ahead of him" who would never experience marriage, fatherhood, or growing old with loved ones.
The judge characterized the murder as a joint enterprise stabbing, with all three participants fully aware that an armed attack was planned. Joanne Maxwell received a life sentence with a minimum term of 23 years, Liam Donlin was sentenced to life with a minimum of 26 years, and Amie Clegg was given life with a minimum of 20 years imprisonment.
Mr Scott's family paid emotional tribute to him in court, describing him as "the kindest soul" whose life had been cruelly taken by "these monsters." The case highlights the devastating consequences of familial disputes escalating into extreme violence.
