Padiham woman “confesses” to murder of Colne man

Donna Harrison (35) allegedly told the police constable that she had “murdered” Steven Sheppard and claimed he was associated with a paedophile ring of men that had drugged, kidnapped and abused her.

Preston Crown Court heard how Harrison, of Beech Street, was alleged to have admitted the killing to two other people.

But defence solicitors cast doubt on Harrison’s words and said the chronic alcoholic was still extremely drunk at the time after a three day booze binge.

Wayne Mackie (40) also stands accused of killing Mr Sheppard who was said to have been kicked, stamped upon and struck to the head with a brass candlestick in the living room of a house on Portland Street, Colne last October.

Both defendants deny murder.

The jury are expected to be sent out tomorrow to consider their verdict in the trial.