Mother and Two Adult Children Jailed After Revenge Killing Filmed on Snapchat

A British mother and her two adult children have been sentenced to life in prison after a relative was fatally stabbed on his doorstep in an attack that was filmed and circulated on Snapchat, police said.

The Victim and the Attack

Forty-four-year-old Joanne Maxwell, her son Liam Donlin, 25, and daughter Amie Clegg, 22, were convicted over the June 22, 2025, killing of 37-year-old Paul Scott at his home in Blackburn, Lancashire, according to Lancashire Police.

Police say Donlin stabbed Scott in the chest as he opened his front door while Clegg recorded the assault on Snapchat and Maxwell watched. Scott bled to death at the scene; the attack and his final moments were captured on footage presented at trial.

Alleged Motive and Planning

Prosecutors said the plot stemmed from an earlier altercation in September 2024 in which Maxwell was involved. Scott was present at that incident but, police say, his only role was attempting to break up the fight. Afterward, Maxwell allegedly sent threatening messages about Scott and others she blamed for the confrontation.

Paul ScottCredit: Lancashire Constabulary

Investigators say the plan escalated in June 2025. Donlin, who had recently been released from prison for an unrelated offence, reportedly exchanged voice notes and messages during the drive to Scott’s house, saying he intended to stab him and promising to film the attack for Snapchat. Police say the family returned home to collect kitchen knives before travelling to Scott’s address.

Arrest, Trial and Sentencing

All three defendants pleaded not guilty. After a 13-day trial at Preston Crown Court, a jury unanimously found Maxwell, Donlin and Clegg guilty of murder; Maxwell and Clegg were additionally convicted of possessing a knife. On March 20, the court imposed life sentences with minimum terms of 23 years for Maxwell, 26 years for Donlin and 20 years for Clegg.

Impact on Family and Community

In an impact statement read to the court, Scott’s brother Andrew described the killing as "an unimaginable act of cruelty," saying: "He took his final breaths on film at the hands of these monsters. It haunts me to think what was going through his mind in these final moments—shock, fear, confusion, betrayal."

Police Statement

Lancashire Police confirmed the convictions and sentences in a statement issued after the hearing at Preston Crown Court. All three were arrested at the scene and taken into custody following the attack, police said.

Note: Details above are based on court testimony and police statements presented during the trial.