THE woman accused of conspiring to murder mum-of-five Pennie Davis was described as an “amazing person” who would not hurt a butterfly, a court heard.

Samantha Maclean’s stepdad, Shaun O’Brien, told Winchester Crown Court that the 28-year-old would do anything for anyone and would even hand over her last £20 to friends if they needed it.

He told jurors that it was not in Maclean’s nature to conspire to kill anybody and that it would not happen because she wouldn’t be able to live with herself.

He said: “She wouldn’t even hurt a butterfly, it’s just not in her nature at all.

“She bends over backwards to help people. She wouldn’t hurt a hair on anybody’s body.” When asked by Maclean’s barrister Jane Bickerstaff QC to describe his stepdaughter, who he has known since she was 12, he replied: “Sam is the most amazing person I know, she really is the most amazing person.

“She would do anything for anyone.”

Maclean, of Beech Crescent, and Ben Carr, 22, of Edward Road, Shirley, are charged with conspiring to murder 47-year-old Pennie.

Justin Robertson, 36, is charged with murder and conspiracy to murder. They all deny the charges.

As previously reported, the prosecution claim the trio plotted to kill Pennie, with Robertson using Maclean’s car to get to the field near Beaulieu where Pennie was stabbed to death on September 2 last year.

The keys to Maclean’s car were found by police beside Pennie’s body.

Giving evidence from the witness box, Mr O’Brien told the court that mum-of-five Maclean would always let her friends borrow her car and phone, and that he would often moan to her about lending her car out to friends.

He also said how he spent several hours with his stepdaughter on the day of Pennie’s murder and noticed nothing unusual about her behaviour as they sat chatting in the kitchen with his grandchildren. He said: “It was just like a perfectly normal day, all laughing around the kitchen.”

The court also heard a statement from Rose McDonald, a retired youth community development worker, detailing how she knew Maclean through her work on the estate where she lived.

In it she described her “surprise” that Maclean is facing a charge of conspiracy to murder, and how she never questioned her honesty.

She added: “I always found Sam to be straight-talking and probably what some would call a bit of a rough diamond.

“She was always willing to lend a hand and help out. I would say too trusting and too willing to help anyone.”

The evidence for the prosecution and all three defendants has now been heard and the trial has been adjourned until after Easter, when the closing speeches will start.

Proceeding.