## Prison Officer Murder Trial Hears of ‘Chilling Threats’ Before Fatal Shooting
The trial of two men accused of murdering a former prison officer has begun at Preston Crown Court, with prosecutors outlining what they describe as a campaign of threats and intimidation that ultimately led to the victim’s death. Elias Morgan, alongside Anthony Cleary, stand accused of murdering Lenny Scott, who was shot outside a gym in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, in February 2024. Both men have denied the charges.
According to prosecution counsel Alex Leach KC, the case centres around Morgan’s time as an inmate at HMP Altcourse, where Lenny Scott worked as a prison officer. While conducting a routine cell search, Mr Scott uncovered an illegal mobile phone in Morgan’s possession—a serious criminal offence within the prison system due to the risks such devices pose. However, this discovery allegedly unmasked evidence of a clandestine relationship between Morgan and another prison officer, Sarah Williams.
The court was told Morgan became desperate after the phone’s confiscation, fearing exposure of the affair with Williams. Mr Leach claimed that Morgan tried to coerce Mr Scott into covering up the incident, offering incentives and making veiled threats should he refuse. Witnesses, including Mr Scott’s former partner and mother, recounted being told that Morgan swore, “I’ll bide my time, but I will get you,” whilst allegedly making a gun gesture towards him.
These threats, it is claimed, escalated further. Mr Scott reported feeling unsafe, telling police in a 999 call that he feared for his and his family’s lives. He also lodged complaints with prison authorities, documenting that Morgan had attempted to bribe him and threatened harm if he proceeded with disciplinary measures concerning the phone.
Investigations into the illicit mobile phone uncovered communications that corroborated Morgan’s relationship with Williams. Sarah Williams admitted to several counts of misconduct in public office and a charge of computer misuse, after it was alleged she supplied Morgan with inside information regarding other inmates.
Tragically, just eleven days before Morgan’s scheduled trial for illegal phone possession, Lenny Scott was shot and killed. The court heard harrowing details of the attack: as Mr Scott left Peel House Gym in Skelmersdale on 8 February 2024, a man wearing a high-visibility jacket approached and fired six shots, fatally wounding him. The assailant is said to have escaped the scene on an electric motorbike, which was then stowed in a van before fleeing the area.
Prosecution lawyers argue that this was a premeditated act of vengeance. They allege Elias Morgan orchestrated the murder, enlisting the help of Anthony Cleary, who is accused of providing vital logistical support by transporting the motorbike and getaway van to the attack site. The jury heard Cleary had recently started a job allowing him access to transport vehicles and had communicated directions through mapping applications to the area where the shooting took place.
Further evidence was laid out by Mr Leach, illustrating how Morgan, upon returning from a trip to Spain, conducted reconnaissance on several locations tied to Mr Scott—his home and two gyms he frequented. The prosecution contends this demonstrated clear intent and planning, crucial in building a case for premeditated murder.
Both defendants are also linked by a personal history, including being photographed together at Glastonbury Festival and spending time in Spain. Cleary has denied involvement, including a separate manslaughter charge. The trial continues under the direction of Mr Justice Goose, with the jury tasked to weigh a web of relationships, threats, and planning, culminating in a shocking and violent act.
As proceedings unfold, the case highlights the unique dangers faced by prison staff and the potential reach of criminal networks beyond prison walls. The outcome of the trial, expected to last several weeks, will be watched closely by the legal community and those concerned with prison safety and justice.