Man admits murdering woman in Christmas attack

A man who killed a woman in a "dreadful attack" a week before Christmas has pleaded guilty to her murder.

Lisa Smith was found with serious head wounds at Fernside Avenue, in the Almondbury area of Huddersfield, on 19 December.

Her family said the 33-year-old consented to donating her organs just before her death two days later.

At a pre-trial preparation hearing at Leeds Crown Court on Monday, Gareth Brook instead admitted a charge of murder. The 34-year-old, of Fernside Avenue, is due to be sentenced on 30 September.

Det Insp Tom Hilyer, of West Yorkshire Police, said: "We welcome the guilty plea of Gareth Brook for what was a dreadful attack in which he inflicted extremely serious head injuries on Lisa.

"Those injuries tragically left her with no realistic prospect of survival, and resulted in her passing away a few days later.

"We hope Lisa's family can take some small measure of comfort from seeing him admit his guilt in court today, and we continue to support them at what remains an incredibly traumatic time."

Lisa's family said that in her last moments, she had given hope to others in need at Christmas by donating her organs.

In a statement issued by police, her mother said: "Lisa had one final party she needed to attend to make sure she could spread some Christmas magic.

"She did what she does best by helping other families have a special Christmas until she fell fast asleep."

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