Allison Threlfall, left, has been jailed for her role in the death of Jon-Jo Highton

The mother of a man jailed for being one of the killers of a Preston teenager has been jailed for perverting the course of justice.

Allison Threlfall, 44, of Fell View, Chorley, admitted lying to Preston Police about the whereabouts of her son on the night Jon-Jo Highton was killed.

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Jon-Jo was stabbed to death by six men, who were convicted of murder, during the evening of Saturday 23 August 2014 in St Stephen’s Road, Deepdale.

Threlfall, the mother of Owen Whitesmith, 20, admitted providing false information.

She was jailed for two years and three months for the offence, along with an unrelated burglary.

Detective Superintendent Eddie Thistlethwaite who lead the Jon-Jo murder enquiry said: “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that it is criminally and morally reprehensible to lie to police during our investigations and anyone who does so will be brought to justice.

“My thoughts are with Jon-Jo’s family and friends today after this final court result related to the investigation. The Highton family have lost a son, brother and father and despite that, they have always behaved with great dignity, particularly during the four month trial they endured last year.

“Allison Threlfall only pleaded guilty just prior to a potential trial. Her actions in delaying such a plea again caused undue stress to the Highton family.”

Related: Mother of murdered Preston teenager pays tribute to Lancashire Police

A total of 13 people were convicted in connection with Jon-Jo’s murder.

Det Supt Thistlethwaite added: “I’d like to take the opportunity to remind youngsters involved in or linked with gangs, that there is an alternative route to ending up behind bars and a needless loss of life. I would urge anyone concerned about a loved one, or caught up with the wrong crowd themselves, to get in touch with us. Make sure it is not too late for you.

“You can speak, in confidence with officers from our Early Action Teams via 101 who specialise in dealing with issues of this nature and will listen to your call and help direct you to the right services.”