Mother and Kids Jailed for Life in Bloody Family Knife Attack
A mother and her two adult kids have been locked up for life after a savage, pre-planned stabbing left a distant relative dead.
Knife-Wielding Trio Launch Brutal Ambush
Joanne Maxwell, 44, roped in her son Liam Donlin, 25, and daughter Amie Clegg, 22, for a deadly revenge mission. Their target: 37-year-old relative Paul Scott.
Armed with knives, the trio drove to Scott’s home in Maxwell’s car just after midnight on 22 June 2025. Using a cruel ruse, Amie tricked Scott into opening the door. Liam then plunged a knife deep into Scott’s chest, delivering fatal wounds. Even more chilling – Amie filmed the whole stabbing on her phone.
Revenge Fueled Murder Plot Exposed
Prosecutors revealed the attack was cold-blooded payback. Maxwell backed her kids every step of the way. On the drive, Liam sent voice messages bragging about his deadly plan and his intent to film the murder.
After the brutal attack, Maxwell and Liam stayed put while Amie called the police – using a fake name and pretending she didn’t know what happened. All three feigned innocence at the scene, but forensic evidence and knives found in the car and house nailed their guilt.
Harsh Jail Terms Hit the Family
At Preston Crown Court on 20 March, all three were convicted of murder and possession of bladed weapons. Maxwell got at least 23 years, Liam Donlin 26 years, and Amie Clegg 20 years behind bars.
Joanna White from the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Encouraged by his mother, Liam Donlin stabbed Paul Scott with severe force, while his sister filmed it. Joanne Maxwell wanted revenge and enlisted her children’s help. They acted together with the shared intention to inflict serious harm.”
“It’s deeply disturbing to see a parent pushing her children to commit violence with weapons. We hope this sentence brings justice for the victim’s family.”
The CPS warned this case shows how joint enterprise laws hold everyone involved in planning or encouraging violent crime accountable—no matter their role.
