Family Trio Accused of Coordinated Doorstep Murder in Blackburn
A mother and her two adult children allegedly functioned as a coordinated unit to plan and carry out the fatal stabbing of a man on his own doorstep, Preston Crown Court has been told during a dramatic murder trial.
Deadly Confrontation in Peridot Close
Joanne Maxwell, aged 47, alongside her son Liam Donlin, 25, and daughter Amie Clegg, 22, travelled to Paul Scott's residence in Peridot Close, Blackburn during the early hours of June 22nd. The prosecution asserts that this was a premeditated mission of retribution.
Richard Little KC, presenting the closing arguments for the prosecution, detailed how Donlin delivered the fatal blow, stabbing Mr Scott directly in the chest. The court heard that Donlin uttered the words "Go on, you little f***ing rat" as he plunged the knife into his victim's heart.
Alleged Team Roles and Premeditation
The prosecution outlined distinct roles they claim each family member played in what they describe as a team effort. According to Mr Little KC, the original grievance belonged to Maxwell, who then enlisted her son—a former kickboxing champion with a history of violence—and provided transport to the scene.
"The reason they are all there is because of her," he stated. "She not only encouraged it, she championed it. She was the director and producer of that violent movie."
Clegg is alleged to have known Mr Scott's address and directed the group to his home. The prosecution claims she carried the knives in her bag and was the one who lured Mr Scott to his doorway. Shockingly, the jury was shown footage of the incident, said to have been recorded by Clegg on her mobile phone.
Events Leading to the Fatal Night
The court heard how on June 21st, Maxwell and Clegg spent an evening out in Blackburn. After visiting the Gate Bar and Grill, they collected Donlin and took a taxi back to their shared home on Linwood Avenue in Darwen.
During this taxi journey, the driver reportedly described Maxwell as stating "It needs to be sorted out tonight. It needs to be done," while characterising her as "the calm one" in contrast to an agitated Donlin.
The prosecution alleges the trio then retrieved four knives from their kitchen before travelling together in Maxwell's car to Peridot Close. En route, Donlin sent a voice message declaring his intention to "chop this kid up now," which, the prosecution argues, his mother and sister would have clearly heard.
Contrasting Accounts and Legal Positions
The defendants have presented differing accounts and pleas to the court. Liam Donlin has admitted guilt to manslaughter and possession of a bladed article but continues to deny the charge of murder. He testified that his intention was merely to threaten Mr Scott and post a warning video online, not to kill or cause serious harm.
Joanne Maxwell also pleads guilty to manslaughter but denies both murder and possession of a bladed article. Amie Clegg denies all three charges against her: murder, manslaughter, and possession of a bladed article. Both Maxwell and Clegg have chosen not to give evidence in their own defence during the trial.
Mr Little KC concluded for the prosecution, asserting a unified intent: "They all wanted the same thing. They wanted to teach Paul Scott a lesson. They wanted to chop him up with a knife or knives... They are all guilty of murder." The jury continues its deliberations.
