Trial Begins in Murder of Prison Officer Linked to Affair and Alleged Revenge Scheme

A prison officer, Lenny Scott, was fatally shot outside a gym in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, on February 8, 2024. The 33-year-old father of three was the victim of a calculated ambush, suffering six gunshot wounds. Two men, Elias Morgan and Anthony Cleary, are on trial at Preston Crown Court, charged with Scott’s murder, and both deny the charges.

The court heard that Scott had previously confiscated a mobile phone from Morgan's prison cell at HMP Altcourse in Liverpool. The phone contained explicit evidence of an affair between Morgan and a disgraced prison officer, Sarah Williams. It is alleged that Morgan later threatened Scott after the officer refused a bribe to conceal the scandal. The prosecution argued that Morgan was motivated by revenge and enlisted Anthony Cleary to assist in the killing.

CCTV footage showed Scott leaving the gym and being approached by a gunman wearing an orange high-visibility vest. The gunman fired six shots, striking Scott in the head and body. The victim attempted to flee but collapsed. The gunman escaped on an electric bike. Morgan allegedly drove to a nearby estate in a Mercedes GLC. Minutes later, a figure was seen walking to another estate where a white van had been dropped off earlier. Inside the van was a black electric bike, which the prosecution claims was transported to the scene by Cleary.

The court heard that the bike performed a "dry run" to the gym before the shooting. After the killing, the gunman rode the bike back to the van and left the area. The van was registered to a cleaning company operated by Morgan’s brother. Morgan phoned Cleary after the murder. Police later found Google searches for "Skem news now" on Cleary’s phone, along with visits to a local police Twitter account. The Mercedes was recovered with false number plates, and Morgan's fingerprints and DNA were found inside. Morgan was arrested in June 2024.

Earlier in the trial, the court heard that Scott had been intimidated after seizing the phone. He told his father about a threat from Morgan, who allegedly said, "I’ll bide my time, but I promise I will get you," accompanied by a gun gesture. Scott also warned his ex-partner about Morgan's threats, including a threat to harm his family.