Liam Donlin, Joanne Maxwell, and Amie Clegg are in prison after being sentenced to life imprisonment on 20 March 2026 for the premeditated murder of Paul Scott, 37, at his home in Blackburn, Lancashire, in June 2025 — a killing that was planned as an act of revenge and filmed on social media.
Who Are Liam Donlin, Joanne Maxwell and Amie Clegg?
Liam Donlin, Joanne Maxwell, and Amie Clegg are members of the same family from Blackburn, Lancashire. Joanne Maxwell is the mother of both Liam Donlin and Amie Clegg. All three were convicted of the murder of Paul Scott, a 37-year-old man who was a distant relative. The case drew national attention due to the calculated nature of the attack and the fact that it was recorded on social media before it took place.
The Background: A Grudge a Year in the Making
The events that led to Paul Scott’s murder began in September 2024, when Joanne Maxwell became involved in a street altercation with a number of people. Paul Scott was present during this incident, though prosecutors noted his only involvement was attempting to break up the fight. Despite this, Maxwell blamed Paul for what happened and began sending him threatening messages, telling him to “just wait until Liam gets out” and warning that “time is ticking.”
This suggested the attack was planned well in advance for when Liam Donlin — who had been in custody — was released from prison. From the moment he was freed, the family began preparing their revenge. On the night of the murder, Donlin sent audio messages to associates boasting about how he intended to attack, kill and mutilate those he held responsible for the assault on his mother.
The Murder of Paul Scott
At around 3.30am on 22 June 2025, Joanne Maxwell drove Liam Donlin and Amie Clegg to Paul Scott’s home on Peridot Close in Blackburn, all three of them armed with knives. Amie Clegg lured Paul Scott to his front door, at which point Donlin stabbed him through the heart. Paul Scott died from his injuries. The killing was premeditated and planned — a deliberate act of revenge against a man who had no meaningful involvement in the original dispute.
The murder was recorded on social media, with Donlin having sent boastful voice messages beforehand describing what he planned to do. The evidence of premeditation was central to the prosecution case. Paul Scott was described by those who knew him as a much-loved member of the community in Blackburn.
The Trial
All three defendants stood trial at Preston Crown Court. The prosecution presented extensive evidence including the voice messages sent by Donlin before the attack, CCTV footage, and forensic evidence linking the defendants to the scene. All three were found guilty of murder following the trial. The jury rejected any suggestion that the killing was anything other than a calculated act of premeditated violence.
The case was prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service’s North West team, who described it as one of the most disturbing planned attacks they had prosecuted in recent years. Those convicted are now subject to the life sentence regime in England and Wales — for more detail on how life sentences work, see our guide on types of prison sentences in the UK.
Life Sentences
On 20 March 2026, His Honour Judge passing sentence at Preston Crown Court imposed life imprisonment on all three defendants with the following minimum terms before they can be considered for parole:
Liam Donlin was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 26 years. Joanne Maxwell was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 23 years. Amie Clegg was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 20 years. None of the three will be considered for release before those minimum terms have been served, and even then release is not automatic — the Parole Board would need to be satisfied that each individual no longer poses an unacceptable risk to the public.
The judge remarked on the callousness of the attack and the devastating impact on Paul Scott’s family and community. Victims and their families wishing to understand the parole process can find more information in our guide to how the Parole Board works in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Liam Donlin in prison?
Liam Donlin is in prison for the premeditated murder of Paul Scott in Blackburn on 22 June 2025. He was convicted at Preston Crown Court and sentenced to life imprisonment on 20 March 2026 with a minimum term of 26 years before he can be considered for parole.
Why is Joanne Maxwell in prison?
Joanne Maxwell is in prison for the murder of Paul Scott. She was the driving force behind the revenge attack, having threatened Paul Scott for months and driven her children to the scene armed with knives. She was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 23 years on 20 March 2026.
Why is Amie Clegg in prison?
Amie Clegg is in prison for the murder of Paul Scott in Blackburn on 22 June 2025. She lured Paul Scott to his front door so that her brother Liam Donlin could carry out the attack. She was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 20 years on 20 March 2026.
Who was Paul Scott?
Paul Scott was a 37-year-old man from Blackburn, Lancashire, who was murdered on 22 June 2025 at his home on Peridot Close. He was described by family and friends as a much-loved member of his community. He was a distant relative of those who killed him and had only tried to break up an earlier altercation involving the family.
When will Liam Donlin and Joanne Maxwell be eligible for parole?
Liam Donlin will not be eligible for parole consideration until he has served a minimum of 26 years. Joanne Maxwell will not be eligible until she has served a minimum of 23 years. Amie Clegg must serve at least 20 years before any parole consideration. Even then, the Parole Board must be satisfied that each person no longer poses a risk to the public before authorising release.
