THE FAMILY of a mum who was murdered in her own home by a Poole man have said "there will never be enough justice" for what he did.

Lewis Crofts, 30, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum prison term of 16 years and nine months for the fatal stabbing of Kimberley Deakin.

Crofts repeatedly stabbed Ms Deakin, who he had been in a relationship with for a couple of months, at her address in Stoke-on-Trent in November last year.

The defendant, of Lytchett Drive, Broadstone, was sentenced at Stafford Crown Court on May 4 after pleading guilty to murder at the same court last month.

Following the conclusion of the sentencing hearing, members of Ms Deakin's family issued statements through Staffordshire Police.

Ms Deakin's mother and her partner, Davina Kirkland and Wayne Parker, said: “The day my baby girl was taken away from us was the hardest thing that we have ever had to face.

"We all miss her terribly and I hope that the justice served today will help her rest in peace.”

Ms Deakin's father and step-mother, John and Vicki Deakin, said: “Kim was my family’s rock. There will never be enough justice but we know she will be looking down at us all thinking ‘that’s my family and I’m proud of each and every one of them’.”

Other members of her family spoke during the court hearing, with sister Britanny and uncle Craig reading victim personal statements.

Senior investigating officer, DI Cheryl Hannan, said: “Crofts’ actions took away Kimberley from a large, close, loving family and many friends.

"He has also taken away a doting mother from a young daughter which will have far reaching affects for many years to come.

“I hope today’s sentencing now gives some sense of justice and allows all that knew her to move forward with grieving for their loss.”