'She's my hero!' Mugging victim praises rescuer

BRAVE Leanne Skidmore, 24, has been praised as a hero for saving a woman who was being mugged by a violent drug addict.

Danielle, with new friend for life Leanne, who she saved from drug addictROSS PARRY

Danielle, left, yesterday with new friend for life Leanne, who she saved from drug addict

Leanne leapt into action after seeing thug Alan Skey, 25, launch a brutal assault on Danielle Kilroy, 21, as he tried to steal her handbag.

Skey stamped on Danielle’s head and dragged her along the ground when he pounced as she walked back from work. He was jailed this week for six years over the attack near Leeds city centre last November.

Danielle paid tribute to the courage of Leanne – who was a complete stranger to her before the attack – and says they will be friends for life.

Leanne was awarded £250 from civil funds to mark her bravery at the sentencing at Leeds Crown Court.

Danielle, who was not badly hurt, said: “Leanne is my hero. I just don’t know what would have happened if she had not been there for me. I think it’s amazing someone I didn’t know would risk their own safety to help.”

Leanne is my hero. I just don’t know what would have happened if she had not been there for me

Danielle Kilroy, victim

Danielle was going home from her bar job when Skey began tailing her.

Leanne, who was also heading home, said: “I began to anticipate that something bad was going to happen from the way he was behaving.”

The court heard how Leanne took out her keys and prepared to use them as a weapon as Skey attacked. Leanne said: “I knew I had to make him stop. I went over and shouted really loudly at him. He threatened to hit me and swore but then ran off.”

Skey pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and claimed he acted in a bid to pay off drug debts. Recorder Jonathan Sandiford praised Leanne and said: “All too often these days, people just walk on by.”

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