Five people jailed for 78 years over 'revenge killing' of mum with £60 drug debt

Five people who took part in a “revenge slaying” of a mum who was deliberately mowed down and killed over a £60 drug debt have been jailed for more than 78 years between them.

Alison McBlain, 36, was killed after suffering from “terrible, unsurvivable injuries” when she was struck by a Fiat Punto and flung 42ft down the street on 19 November, 2019.

A jury at Preston Crown Court found Joshua Titterington, Karis Poynton, Dean Qayum and Kaylib Connolly guilty of her murder on Monday.

A fifth defendant, Jon Chatwood, was found guilty of her manslaughter and a youth, who can not be identified for legal reasons, was cleared of all charges.

During the trial, the jury heard how the Punto, driven by Connolly, mounted the kerb and struck Ms McBlain and Christian Rivers, 28, shortly after 7.30pm in revenge for £60 worth of crack and heroin which they did not pay for.

Mc McBlain was pronounced dead two days later, having succumbed to her injuries while in hospital. Her family, including her 12-year-old son, were by her bedside.

The vehicle was found abandoned and partially burnt out a short time after the incident in Blackburn.

On Wednesday, the five guilty parties were jailed for a combined total of 78 and a half years.

Their sentences also related to injuries sustained by Mr Rivers.

Connolly, 19, received life with a minimum term of 14 years for the murder of Ms McBlain and the attempted murder of Mr Rivers.

Qayum, 21, was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 20 years for the same offences.

Titterington, 27, was found guilty of murder and attempted GBH in relation to Mr Rivers and received life with a minimum term of 17 and a half years.

Poynton, 28, was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 13 years for the same crimes.

Chatwood, 26, was found guilty of the manslaughter of Ms McBlain and not guilty of the attempted murder of Mr Rivers. He was given a 14-year custodial sentence.

Speaking after the sentencing, DCI Lee Wilson said: “Alison McBlain – a mother, daughter and beloved friend to many – was deliberately run over and killed in a calculated, premeditated revenge slaying.

"As a result of her death a 13-year-old boy has lost his mother, while her family and friends have been left utterly heartbroken.

"They have also been put through the ordeal of a trial because the offenders refused to admit what they had done.

“The pain caused to Alison’s loved ones cannot be overstated and they must be commended for showing great dignity throughout this whole difficult process.

"We hope they can now take some comfort in knowing five people are behind bars."