Man admits murdering lady about to rejoice twenty first as physique discovered after Asda raid
Michael Doherty, previously referred to as Michael Moore by police, pleaded guilty to the murder of Courtney Angus just hours before her 21st birthday celebrations were due to begin
Courtney Angus was found dead(Image: FACEBOOK)
A man has admitted murdering a 21-year-old woman before going on a “knife-wielding rampage.” Courtney Angus was discovered at an address in Norfolk Street in Batley last July just hours before her 21st birthday celebrations were due to begin.
Cops were led to her body after Michael Doherty, previously referred to as Michael Moore tried to hold up an Asda supermarket and ended up confessing that he’d “done something terrible.” On Monday (January 26) on what was meant to be the first day of his trial at Leeds Crown Court he, pleaded guilty to her murder.
The 38-year-old, of Norfolk Street in Batley, also admitted theft and three counts of threatening another with a blade or point. He denied possession of a bladed article and affray.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Ms Angus had been staying at Doherty’s address for several days before the fatal attack. They said that the following day Doherty “went on a violent rampage across Dewsbury, stealing from local shops and threatening supermarket staff with a knife”.
The CPS said West Yorkshire Police responded to reports and arrested Doherty in Dewsbury town centre. “During the arrest, Doherty shouted abuse at officers, threatened them with a large knife, and confessed to having killed someone,” they said.
The CPS said two of the charges involved police officers. After Doherty’s pleas, prosecutors said he had expressed a romantic interest in Courtney on the day of the murder and threatened to kill himself when she did not reciprocate.
They said shortly before midnight on July 25, his phone connected with masts near a local pub, where a witness reported seeing an agitated man saying he had “done something terrible”.
Judge Tom Bayliss KC said Doherty would be sentenced at a future date and told him: “You have pleaded guilty to the murder of Courtney Angus.
“The sentence for murder is fixed by law – it is life imprisonment, but the judge who eventually sentences you will have to set the minimum term before you can be considered for parole.
“That sentence will be before another judge on another date, and in the meantime you will be remanded in custody.”
After her death was confirmed, Ms Angus’s family released a statement which said: “Our lives have been shattered and turned upside down with the news that no parent wants to hear – that our gorgeous daughter and sister is no longer with us.
“Courtney had a beautiful soul. She was a lover of music, socialising and having fun.
“Her whole family is heartbroken over the loss of such an amazing woman.”
At the time, tributes poured in for Courtney, who was said to have been looking forward to her 21st birthday celebrations at a swanky city centre bar in Leeds.
Leeds Live reports her sister posted online saying: “Forever 21 our girl”. She later added: “We love you always and forever Courtney.” A friend also posted online: “RIP Courtney Angus. Thornhill has lost gorgeous girl what a cruel world we live in. Our thoughts go out to the Angus family.”
Another friend wrote: “I can’t actually believe I’m writing this… R.I.P Courtney Angus anyone who knew you known that you had the biggest heart always knew how to put a smile on peoples face and was the life of the party.
“It doesn’t feel real at all I was only speaking to you a couple of days ago and now your gone but I know your up in the heavens got some baseline on shocking out with your gun fingers. Gone too soon you will be missed by many. Forever 21. I love you my girl.”
The Fox and Hounds pub in Batley said “sweet and kind” Courtney had worked there for a short while, adding on its Facebook page: “We are heartbroken to hear the devastating news about Courtney. Though she was only with us at The Fox for a short while, she left a lasting impression – sweet, kind, and always with a warm smile.
“Our deepest condolences go out to her family, friends, and everyone who knew and loved her. It’s a truly sad time for Batley and Dewsbury, and our thoughts are with all affected. Forever 21. Rest in peace, Courtney.”
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