Every third day, in our #EveryThreeDays campaign, I write about a woman killed by a man. Previously in this campaign, which started on 2nd May 2021, I have remembered 80 women, the last being mother-of-two Kathleen Griffin, 57, who was killed at her home in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.

Today we remember Daria Pionko, 21, a sex worker who came to the UK from Poland in February 2015. She was known for being very kind and always wanting to help others.

In December of 2015, she was attacked by Lewis Pierre, 24, of Meanwood, Leeds, who was convicted of her murder following a trial at the city’s crown court in July 2016.

The court heard that it was Pierre’s motive was to steal money taking £80 to buy cigarettes and drugs. Evidence against him included Daria’s blood being on his boots.

In sentencing, the Judge, Mr Justice Goss, told Pierre he would serve at least 22 years in jail for murder and a further 8 years for theft.

He went on to say:

“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.”

Daria’s mum said, Lydia, said in a statement her daughter was a “kind-hearted” and “joyful girl”. “We are pleased her murderer has been convicted though nothing will bring our daughter back.”

Daria Pionko

#EveryThreeDays

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(Pronouns - she/her) - Steph Richards is a 73-year-old 'post-op' trans woman with a Gender Recognition Certificate and works as a human rights activist. She was the elected Women's and LGBT Officer at Portsmouth Labour Party 2021 - 2024, CEO of Translucent.Org.UK, winner of the LGBT Organisation of the Year at the National Diversity Awards in 2022, co-founder of Women's Action Network (Portsmouth) and a volunteer at a Women's health charity. Steph was shortlisted as a "Gender Role Model" at the National Diversity Awards in 2025. Steph has been platformed live on BBC Radio 4 three times, including Women's Hour. She has also appeared on Times Radio, LBC Radio, GB News and Channel 4 News. In 2023, Steph debated trans human rights at an American university event alongside Harvard biologist and author Carole Hooven, PhD. Steph (an intersectional feminist) is passionate about the inclusion and acceptance of trans people in society. She advocates for women in prison, specifically pregnant women and calls out the mounting concern that abortion rights are at risk in the UK. She was the recipient of an Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Award in March, 2023.

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