Murder of Prison Officer Lenny Scott: Elias Morgan Jailed for Life

Lenny Scott, a dedicated prison officer, was brutally murdered by Elias Morgan, a 35-year-old inmate who had a history of armed robbery and a secret relationship with a female prison officer. Morgan shot Scott at close range with a 9mm handgun, killing him instantly, in a revenge killing that was four years in the making. The trial, which lasted nine weeks, revealed a meticulously planned and chilling execution of a man who had done his job.

Key Takeaways:

• Elias Morgan, 35, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life with a minimum 45 years before parole for the killing of prison officer Lenny Scott, 33.
• Morgan was found to have had a secret relationship with a female prison officer, which was revealed when Scott found an illicit phone in his cell at HMP Altcourse in March 2020.
• Scott, who had reported the phone, was threatened by Morgan, who vowed to "bide my time" and made a gun gesture.
• Morgan served his sentence and was released, but four years later, he carried out the threat and shot Scott at close range with a 9mm handgun.
• The investigation revealed that Morgan had been stalking his victim to learn his daily schedule before launching the attack.
• The gun used in the murder has never been recovered.
• Morgan's co-accused, Anthony Cleary, 29, was found not guilty of murder and manslaughter.
• Prison officer Sarah Williams admitted three offences of misconduct in a public office in June 2023.
• Morgan denied a charge of unauthorized possession of the mobile phone, and a court hearing was scheduled for February 19, 2024, 11 days after Mr Scott was murdered.

Statistics:

• 45 years: The minimum sentence Elias Morgan will serve before parole.
• 9mm: The make and model of the handgun used to kill Lenny Scott.
• April 2023: The month in which Morgan was charged with unauthorized possession of the mobile phone.
• March 2020: The month in which Lenny Scott found the illicit phone in Morgan's cell.
• February 8, 2024: The date on which Lenny Scott was murdered.
• 11 days: The time difference between the scheduled court hearing for Morgan's charge and the actual murder of Lenny Scott.

Sources:

• Lancashire Police
• Preston Crown Court
• Lancashire Evening Post (dated August 29, 2024)
• Lancashire Police's force major investigation team
• Crown Prosecution Service and counsel, Alex Leach KC
• Lancashire Police's statement, attributed to Det Chief Insp Lee Wilson