'Every day has been a waking nightmare'

Lenny Scott was shot six times outside a gym in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, on 8 February 2024

The parents and former partners of murdered former prison officer Lenny Scott have described the enormity of the pain they have suffered since he was shot dead by a killer branded by police as a "cold-blooded gangland executioner".

Elias Morgan shot the 33-year-old father-of-three six times outside a gym in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, on 8 February 2024.

Before Morgan was sentenced to at least 45 years in prison, Preston Crown Court heard victim impact statements from Mr Scott's devastated loved ones.

Paula Scott, Lenny Scott's mother

"I never thought for one second I would have to write anything like this in my life.

"It's difficult to know where to start.

"On 8 February 2024, my world shattered beyond repair. My one and only child, my son Lenny, was cruelly and senselessly murdered by Elias Morgan.

"The night Lenny was killed replays over and over in my mind. Lenny was a creature of habit. When he didn't return from the gym at his usual time, I started to worry. Within hours, I knew something was wrong.

"I went out searching, thinking perhaps he'd had an accident or a diabetic episode, but I got lost.

"I couldn't find my way to the gym. I came home with a sinking feeling, knowing I was just waiting for a knock at the door.

"That night haunts me. Seeing the police outside, hearing the words that he had been murdered.

"This is a trauma that will never leave me. It changed everything. My life, my heart and my future. Telling people what happened, especially the children, was unbearable.

"Seeing their pain, feeling their heartbreak, is something that will haunt me for the rest of my life."

Lenny Scott adored his three children, the court heard

"Every day since has been a waking nightmare. I've had to face impossible tasks while still in shock, trying to function in a world that no longer makes sense.

"My life has changed beyond recognition. I am not the person I was. I am heartbroken. I worry constantly. I sleep little. I avoid crowds because I no longer trust strangers.

"My confidence is shattered as I never know when my emotions will overwhelm me. I feel exhausted from pretending I'm OK just to get through the day.

"I am furious that this happened to my son for doing the right thing. He did his job - with pride, integrity and maintained his strong values.

"Even when threatened, he followed procedure and reported things properly. He lost his life for standing up for what was right.

"That makes this even more tragic. Morgan has shown no regard for the consequences of his actions.

"He didn't just hurt Lenny, he devastated countless lives. He stole his future, and he stole my future with him.

"He robbed his children of their father and tore him away from our family, his friends and colleagues who loved and respected him.

"Lenny and I were incredibly close. He was everything to me. I always tried to be there for him but I wasn't there when he needed me most.

"I never got to say goodbye. That has destroyed me. Being Lenny's mum was the greatest achievement of my life. I was so proud of the man he became and the father he was to his three children.

"He had dreams, plans and hopes for their future. All of that has been taken from us. His children were so young when he was taken. I worry deeply about how they'll cope when they're old enough to understand the violence used against him.

"The details are out there online, in the media, and we try so hard to shield them. But one day, they'll see it. They are innocent children who should never have been exposed to this trauma. That devastates me.

"Lenny was a big character who lit up every room. He was a good son, a good man and an amazing dad. He made me proud every single day. Even in tough times, he found strength and humour. I was lucky to have him and watching him with his children is a memory I will always treasure.

"I think about him constantly. I find comfort in photos, videos and memories. He still makes me smile when I remember something funny or imagine his voice reacting to things we used to joke about. He had a wonderful sense of humour.

"My lovely, hilarious son is gone. I carry a deep, aching sadness and overwhelming grief, knowing I'll never see him again.

"I'll never hear his voice or hear him laugh again. I miss him so much. I am lost without him."

Elias Morgan was jailed for a minimum of 45 years

"I sat through every day of the trial, having to listen to lies told by Morgan and presented by his defence team, without any right of reply.

"While I understand the necessity of a defence in the justice system, it was disrespectful for Lenny, for me, and for our family.

"It inflicted further harm on those already grieving. The truth was twisted in a cruel attempt to undermine Lenny's good character.

"Lenny had one phone, one car, and one home, the same home he'd lived in his entire life. He used his phone like most people would: for social media, for photos, calls, texts, WhatsApp.

"He didn't delete things or use disappearing messages because he had nothing to hide. His life was examined in minute detail by the police, every aspect was investigated thoroughly.

"What they found was clear - Lenny was not a criminal. He was not corrupt. He was a normal man who lived for his family."

'Violent coward'

"To Morgan: I've wrestled with whether to waste words on you. But I will say this: What gave you the right to murder my son? To take his life simply because he didn't do what you wanted? You killed him for doing his job, for doing the right thing.

"You didn't just murder my son, you inflicted a lifetime of pain on everyone who loved him.

"You brought trauma into our lives that none of us deserved, least of all Lenny. You took his life in the most cowardly and callous way. You ambushed him without warning, using a weapon that he could never defend himself from. You didn't give him a chance.

"My son was everything you are not. He was strong, brave, honest, respectful, hardworking, kind, and principled.

"He stood for what was right. Listening to your lies during the trial, hearing you twist the truth to make Lenny look bad only confirmed the kind of person you are.

"You are a violent, inhumane coward. I am hurt, I am angry, and I will never forgive you.

"No sentence can bring Lenny back or undo the damage you've caused. But I trust that justice will be served, and that you will be detained for as long as possible to protect the public from the serious threat you pose.

"To Lenny. Thank you for being my son. Thank you for the memories, the laughter, the love.

"I will never forget you.

"I will forever be proud of you.

"I love you and miss you so much."

Neil Scott, Lenny Scott's father

"The news that Lenny had been shot, that he wasn't OK and that he wouldn't be returning home...

"I ran out of the house and I was physically sick, but I had to go back and endure the account of what had happened.

"The scream that came from my wife will never leave me.

"When I went to see Lenny for the last time at the chapel of the rest, I just couldn't believe that this was my last chance to see him, to kiss him.

"No-one should have to go and see their child like that - it doesn't matter how big he was, he was still my little baby, my only baby.

"The impact that this crime has had has been significant on my emotional and physical health. I've not been able to sleep, I haven't watched tv, I have severe anxiety.

"I've had flashbacks of Lenny laid in the chapel of rest. They wake me up and I'm in a cold sweat. I have had to receive medication to try and make myself sleep and to ease my anxiety."

Neil and Paula Scott endured weeks of watching the murder trial at Preston Crown Court

"The anxiety is crippling - I don't want to leave the house unless I have to, I try to stay in constantly, I didn't want anyone in the house, I couldn't receive comfort from anyone. I couldn't put any cards up that people sent.

"I have completely closed myself off to all those around me as I just do not know how to process or even begin to understand why this has happened.

"I have lost my boy and I am unable to give him a hug or a kiss.

"I have been left feeling guilty of being unable to protect my son. As a dad that is my job and it was a promise I made to him when I held him when he was only 10 minutes old.

"At the one time in his life when he has needed me - when he was terrified with no family member with him - I couldn't be there to protect him.

"As the trial finally started, we were made aware within the last week that we would not be required and therefore could attend and listen to the evidence.

"This is something that I felt I needed to do, that I needed to represent Lenny in the public gallery.

"The evidence that has been relayed in court has been extremely difficult. There have been stages where I have had to leave court as I was just unable to listen or watch what was being said about Lenny.

"No parent should have to watch their son being shot not once but multiple times.

"I've also had to endure reading about how my son has had his good character dragged through the mud in order for the accused to try and substantiate his case, regardless of the fact that all the claims made by him where untrue and not substantiated by any evidence.

"The final thing I want to say about my son is that he was my best friend and I miss him every day.

"He can't be here any more. However, he was a man of good virtue, hardworking, always striving to do the right thing.

"I was so proud and honoured to have him as a son; he was the most superb dad to all of his children.

"This is the memory of Lenny that people will remember, that his children will remember."

Lucy Carnill, Lenny Scott's partner

Lenny was a part of my life from 2020. I can recall how excited I was to get to know him - he was the funniest person and could always make me laugh.

"Our relationship blossomed straight away, I felt an instant connection between us. He made me feel like I had known him a lifetime and I could just see a life between us unfolding and I couldn't have been happier.

"We had our daughter together and so many plans for the future. Lenny was an amazing dad.

"From the beginning of our relationship I knew that he had twin boys and our time together always included them.

"His role as a dad was the most important thing to him and I recall this being one of the first things he mentioned to me.

"He was open with me about his relationship with his boys and their mum and how important they were in his life.

"I knew from how he spoke about the boys and how he interacted with them that our daughter would have the best dad as he was just the same with her and she was his world."

Lenny Scott and Lucy Carnill had a baby girl together

"On the day he was murdered, Lenny sent me videos of him building the present he had bought our daughter for her birthday.

"He then called me on the way to the gym class. We were due to spend the weekend together with our daughter and her brothers and we were so excited.

"Following the gym he didn't call and I didn't understand why, as it was totally out of the ordinary to not hear from him.

"I had tried to call and message Lenny but my messages stopped delivering.

"I honestly can't explain how I felt when I was told about what had happened to him. The horror, shock and disbelief is something I know will never go away.

"I cannot stop thinking about the fact that he did not have his family with him, none of us were ever able to say goodbye.

"Lenny was a constant for me; he was truly my best friend. If any of his family needed anything - his children, his mum - he was there to protect us.

"Lenny was always the person I would go to when I needed support. If I had a bad day I would call him, he would make me feel better about any situation.

"When Lenny was murdered, I was so scared for my safety and that of our daughter. I moved out of my home and I went to live with my parents. I couldn't be alone in my house.

"I feel like I was a different person before this happened and I have been thrust into a whole different life.

"Lenny's children can be so proud of the dad he was, his time with his children was cut so tragically short but they can be so proud of the person he was and how he loved and cared for them all.

"I have now to try and be a strong parent for our daughter as she is all that I have. But my life is consumed by grief; I am trying to be the best that I can be under the most tragic of circumstances.

"Lenny will miss out on so many things, every milestone of his children's life and they will have to endure every milestone without their dad. This has been snatched away from them all.

Our daughter had such a short time with him. I have had to explain to her at such a young age that she couldn't see Daddy any more - that Daddy was in heaven.

"How do you explain to a child so young that she can't see Daddy, that he can't come and visit.

"I remember on her birthday telling her that Daddy wouldn't be coming any more, I told her he was in work.

"I was unable to tell her the truth at that time because the reality of what had happened was too unthinkable to say.

"All I have now are memories and photos.

"Lenny would always get me to take lots of photos whenever we were together. I am now so grateful that he did, as they are all over the house and those happy memories carry me through.

"The thought that as she gets older I will have to explain this to her again and again with the questions that she will have and the circumstances around how he was taken from us.

"I can't imagine how confused and terrified he must have been in those moments - having to hear about the extent of his injuries is a pain I cannot describe.

"This cannot ruin our family, that is the last thing Lenny would want for his children.

"Our daughter's relationship with her brothers is very close and this would make Lenny extremely happy.

"I now have a close relationship with the boys' mum and we have supported each other through this unimaginably hard time as best we can.

"I stand united with their mum and Lenny's parents - to have as a normal life as possible, full of love and support for the children together as a family.

"When we are all together we take so much comfort in sharing our memories of Lenny. I know Lenny will be proud of us all.

"Lenny, you are in my mind and heart every second of every day, forever."

Lucy Griffiths, Lenny's former partner

"Lenny and I were together in a relationship for 10 years. During this time we had beautiful twin boys. We split up when the boys were nearly three.

"Although separated, we remained very good friends and successfully co-parented our boys.

"Lenny was the best dad who was always hands on. He went on to have a daughter with a new partner - a little sister for the boys.

"The moment Lenny was murdered our world came crumbling down.

"The morning I got the phone call from his mum, telling me Lenny had been murdered, my heart broke. I was inconsolable. I couldn't stop crying and somehow within minutes had to wake the boys up for school.

"They were so excited when they woke up, one of them shouting with excitement to his brother that Daddy's picking us up from school.

"I was shaking so much, thinking how do I tell them? I didn't know what to do. I rang my partner to get advice on what to do.

"Do I keep the boys off school or treat the day as nothing had changed? I just wasn't prepared to give the boys this dreadful news at that time.

"Telling the boys that their Daddy had died was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life.

"We waited a week just to get our heads around it - going back and forth, trying to find the words to tell them.

"Seeing their little faces when telling them that Daddy had died and they were never to see him again, was so painful - it still is.

"One of my boys just screamed, the other froze in shock so confused he just burst out crying saying 'No, Mummy'.

"The boys idolise their dad. Lenny and the boys loved superheroes, he was their real-life hero. Being so big, Lenny did look like a superhero to them.

"They had so many questions about why and I had no answers, questions like why the bad man shot Daddy?

"Is he going to shoot us?

"Is he going to take you away too, Mummy?

"Hearing the sadness in their voices, the daily heartbreak, this will never heal for us. This has completely tarnished their childhood.

"They keep asking me if they can go and see him in heaven, get a plane to go and visit him.

"They have asked me when out and about whether 'the bad man' will come for them and me, so them knowing the circumstances has clearly led to anxiety.

"I dread every milestone - Christmas, birthdays, Father's Day are always tarnished with sadness and the absence of their father and it's just another reminder for them. Their faces every time saying we wish Daddy was here.

"They don't understand he isn't here any more.

"My boys have been robbed of growing up with their dad, their hero.

"They haven't just lost him - he was taken from them in the most horrific and violent circumstances and now have these images in their head.

"They still undergo counselling at school, and I worry about how this will affect them later in life as they grow older and see news reports and details of his murder etc.

"I don't know. I wish I could make it all go away for them.

"When they ask for songs on in the car that Daddy loved I find it too upsetting to listen. I find letters they write to him hidden under their pillow, asking for him to come back. This is so upsetting to find as a mother.

"They have had nightmares about men chasing them with guns because of what's happened.

"My boys will never remember what it feels like to have a dad who loves them so much as he did, it's been taken away from them.

"Just so grateful for the support of my partner who's been a massive support for me and the boys. I'm not sure where I'd be without him.

"It's hard to have the words to describe just how senseless this is. It was cold, heartless, it was pure evil.

"Since losing Lenny the whole family have come together to ensure our boys spend as much time as possible with their baby sister, which has resulted in a close supportive bond with her mum.

"We have come together so that we can all remain close, which is what Lenny would have wanted.

"He would be so proud. Lenny would be heartbroken if we didn't keep the children close.

"Lenny, my promise to you: I will always make sure the children remember the hero you are, telling them how proud you would be of them every day and the endless love you have for them.

"And I will make sure they are brought up with your values and caring nature you brought into all our lives.

"I already see so much of you in our boys - your big heart, your humour and courage.

"I know you will be watching us here today, proud that we have fought for your justice.

"We will never forget you, Lenny."