Man jailed for life for Daria Pionko murder in Holbeck
Lewis Pierre has been given 22 years behind bars for beating a sex worker to death
A lorry driver's assistant who beat a sex worker to death in a "selfish and brutal attack'' in Holbeck has been jailed for at least 22 years.
Lewis Pierre, 24, murdered Daria Pionko and stole her money to buy takeaway food, cigarettes and cannabis.
He was handed a life sentence at Leeds Crown Court for murder and robbery.
Mr Justice Goss said: It was a selfish and brutal attack which ended the life of a vibrant young Polish woman who had been in this country 10 months.
"She was only 21 years of age and had her life before her. "That she was working as she was increased her vulnerability, but it did not disentitle her to protection of the law.'
"In your disregard for her as a person and driven by your own selfish desires, her life ended in the miserable circumstances I have just described.'' Daria’s mother Lydia Pionko said: “Daria was a kind-hearted, joyful girl who loved her family dearly. She was popular and always eager to help others.
“We are pleased that her murderer has been convicted, although nothing is going to bring my daughter back.
“We would like to thank West Yorkshire Police and especially our family liaison offers for their help and support. We would also like to thank everyone involved in the process of bringing this man to justice.”
Detective Superintendent Simon Atkinson, of West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “Daria Pionko was murdered in a brutal and sustained attack by Lewis Pierre who is clearly a dangerous individual.
“He opportunistically targeted Daria to rob her on his walk home from work after spending the day penniless.
“With his significantly greater size and strength he could have easily overpowered her, but when she bravely resisted he launched a sickeningly violent attack that left her fatally wounded. He then callously left her dying and walked away to spend the money he had stolen from her.
“Daria was just 21 years old and her death at such a young age in such terrible circumstances has left her family and friends completely devastated. The vigils that were held at the scene in the days that followed showed how her murder impacted on all those who knew her and on the community as a whole.
“We hope that knowing Pierre has now had to answer for his actions will provide some degree of comfort to Daria’s family and some reassurance to the wider community.”