Gareth Brook admits murdering mum-of-six Lisa Smith following assault in Almondbury

A man who killed a 33-year-old mother-of-six in an attack at a house in Huddersfield has pleaded guilty to her murder.

Police were called to Fernside Avenue in Almondbury at about 12.26am on 19 December to a report of serious assault and found Lisa Smith with serious head injuries.

She died in hospital two days later.

Initially charged with section 18 assault, 34-year-old Gareth Brook was later charged with murder following Lisa’s death.

At a pre-trial preparation hearing at Leeds Crown Court on Monday 17 August, Brook, of Fernside Avenue, admitted murdering her.

Detective Inspector Tom Hilyer, who led the investigation, said:

"We welcome the guilty plea of Gareth Brook today 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.

"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."

Speaking in December last year, Lisa Smith's family said that in her last moments she took part in organ donation.

Her mother said: "This is one of the hardest things I have ever had to share. Lisa Jane Louise Smith fell to sleep at 17:28 on the 21/12/2025. I tucked her in tightly and kissed her goodnight.

"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."

Brook will be sentenced at a later date.

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