Michael Doherty, 38, admitted murdering Courtney Angus when he appeared at Leeds Crown Court and he has now been jailed for life
A man has been jailed for the murder of a woman just hours before her she was to celebrate her 21st birthday
Michael Doherty, 38, admitted murdering Courtney Angus when he appeared at Leeds Crown Court and he has now been jailed for life.
He had also pleaded guilty to three counts of threatening another with an article with a blade or point but denied having an article with a blade or point and affray.
Officers discovered Courtney’s body in July last year after arresting a man in relation to a reported armed robbery at an Asda in Dewsbury. The man later told detectives that a woman – who he believed had died – was inside a property in Norfolk Street.
Police said Ms Angus was found at Doherty’s house, she had been assaulted and strangled.
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”.
During the sentencing hearing, the court was told that Doherty was convicted of rape in 2014, having met a woman in a nightclub in Morley the year before. He attacked the woman in an alleyway and it ended “when a passerby disturbed him”. He also had other convictions for arson, assaults, robberies and harassment.
Judge Guy Kearl has now set a minimum term of 33 years, less time spent on remand. Doherty has to serve that term in custody before going before the Parole Board who will determine if he is safe to be released. He will then be on licence for life.
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 Doherty, who is also known as Michael Moore, “went on a violent rampage across Dewsbury, stealing from local shops and threatening supermarket staff with a knife”.
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,” reported the CPS.
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.”
