Chilling CCTV footage has been released by police showing the moment Michael Doherty was seen with Courtney Angus at a bar just hours before he brutally killed her. The 38-year-old, also known as Michael Moore, pleaded guilty to murdering 21-year-old Courtney Angus and received a life sentence with a minimum term of 33 years at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday, 28 May.
The Attack
Doherty, of Norfolk Street in Batley, was arrested in Dewsbury town centre on 26 July last year after officers responded to a report of a robbery at a nearby supermarket. During the confrontation, Doherty brandished a knife and threatened to harm officers if they did not comply. He attempted to enter a nearby pub, prompting Taser officers to subdue him. Doherty then told officers he had killed someone and that there was a body in his house. Courtney’s body was found later that day; she had been assaulted and strangled. A forensic post-mortem also revealed injuries indicative of a serious sexual assault.
Police Statement
Senior Investigating Officer Dan Bates, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: 'Doherty carried out his violent attack on Courtney after she told him she was not interested in having a relationship with him. He further showed his willingness to use violence by taking a knife into Dewsbury town centre, where he threatened a shop worker and the police officers who attended the robbery report. These actions clearly demonstrate that he is a very dangerous man, and I hope Courtney’s friends and family can take some comfort in the sentence passed down today.'
Family Tribute
A statement from Courtney’s family read: 'The loss of Courtney has changed us all and we still cannot understand why she was so cruelly and suddenly taken from us. Courtney was such a loving and vibrant young woman with her whole life ahead of her. She was a huge part of this family, and she will never be replaced. While we are relieved that this case is now over and that her killer has been sentenced, our pain is as strong as it was on the day that she left us. Every day carries the weight of her absence. We would like to thank West Yorkshire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service for bringing Doherty to justice, and the officers who have helped to support us throughout these proceedings. We would also like to thank our friends for being a much-needed beacon of light during these very dark times.'
