Three found GUILTY of murdering Paul Scott in Blackburn

Liam Donlin, 25, Joanne Maxwell, 44, and Amie Clegg, 22, were convicted by a jury at Preston Crown Court after a 13-day trial in which the prosecution said the attack was planned and motivated by revenge.

Joanne Maxwell, Liam Donlin, and Amie Clegg (Image: Lancs Police)

Mr Scott, 37, died at his home in Peridot Close on June 22 last year, after being stabbed in the heart by drug dealer Donlin as he charged through the front door wielding a kitchen knife.

A Home Office post-mortem examination confirmed the wound was 8.6cm deep and passed through a rib bone and cartilage before entering the heart.

Liam Donlin (Image: Facebook)

The jury heard that all three defendants, from Lynwood Avenue, Darwen, armed themselves with kitchen knives from their home before driving to Blackburn in Maxwell’s car.

LIVE: Paul Scott trial – Three found GUILTY of murder

Clegg filmed the events on her phone under instructions from Donlin, intending to upload the footage to Snapchat, while Donlin barged through Mr Scott’s door and carried out the fatal attack.

Paul Scott (Image: Lancashire Police)

Police found two knives, one stained with blood, in the sink at Mr Scott’s address, while a third was recovered from Maxwell’s car.

Blood consistent with Mr Scott’s was found on Donlin’s hands.

Witnesses gave evidence about the relationships between the defendant and the victim, and confirmed the relationships between the defendants themselves.

Joanne Maxwell (Image: Facebook)

Donlin and Clegg are half-siblings, while Maxwell is the mother to both of them, having had past relationships with both of their fathers.

Mr Scott is also Clegg’s cousin. She was described as being close to him, something the prosecution did not say was true.

Her barrister said she attempted to help Mr Scott after the stabbing by phoning 999, but she gave false information to the call handler, lying about hers and Donlin’s name.

Amie Clegg (Image: Facebook)

All three defendants were arrested at the scene. Maxwell and Clegg provided prepared statements at the police station denying any intention to kill, while Donlin did not provide a statement or answer any questions.

Donlin pleaded guilty to manslaughter at a previous hearing, while Maxwell pleaded guilty to that charge on day two of the trial. Clegg denied all of the offences throughout.

Donlin had also admitted possession of a knife, while Maxwell and Clegg were both also found guilty of possession of a knife by the jury.

The three will be sentenced for the murder charge on March 20, which carries a mandatory life sentence.