A handyman who confessed to police that he had killed someone during his arrest for a shoplifting incident has now formally admitted murdering a young barmaid who rejected his romantic advances. Michael Doherty, aged 38, entered a guilty plea today at Leeds Crown Court on what was scheduled to be the first day of his trial.
Violent death of a 'beautiful soul'
Doherty admitted killing Courtney Angus, a 21-year-old described by her grieving family as 'a beautiful girl with a beautiful soul'. The court heard that Miss Angus had told Doherty there was no prospect of a relationship between them, which prosecutors said triggered the violent attack.
The victim was discovered deceased in Doherty's terraced home in Batley, West Yorkshire, on 26 July last year. This discovery came after police had already arrested Doherty in the town centre. It is understood that Miss Angus had been both assaulted and strangled during the horrific incident.
Days before the murder
Investigations revealed that Miss Angus had been staying at Doherty's residence for several days prior to her murder, although authorities confirmed the pair were not in a romantic relationship. Miss Angus worked at the Fox and Hounds pub in Batley, where she was known to colleagues and regulars.
Shoplifting rampage and confession
Following the murder, Doherty proceeded into Batley town centre where he embarked on a shoplifting spree at an Asda supermarket. During this incident, he produced a kitchen knife while attempting to steal electrical goods, prompting alarmed staff to contact the police.
When officers located and arrested Doherty nearby, he threatened them with the same knife and made a startling confession. Doherty explicitly told the arresting officers that he had killed someone, providing the first indication of the tragedy that had occurred at his home.
Multiple charges admitted
At today's court hearing, Doherty – who also uses the alias Michael Moore – pleaded guilty to multiple serious charges. These included murder, theft, and three separate counts of threatening a person with a blade. Two of these blade threats were directed specifically at police officers during his arrest.
As court officials led Doherty down to the cells following his guilty plea, members of Miss Angus's family could be heard muttering 'b******' and 'scumbag' from the public gallery. Some family members mockingly laughed at the defendant as he was taken away.
Prosecution details the tragic sequence
Prosecutors outlined that on the day of the murder, Doherty had 'expressed a romantic interest' in Miss Angus. When she did not reciprocate his feelings, he reportedly 'threatened to kill himself' before ultimately turning his violence toward her instead.
Shortly before midnight on 25 July, Doherty entered a local pub where a witness reported seeing an 'agitated man' who was saying he had 'done something terrible'. This appears to have been one of the first indications of the crime before his formal confession to police.
Sentencing awaits
Judge Tom Bayliss KC addressed Doherty directly in court, stating: '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.'
The judge confirmed that Doherty, who now faces mandatory life imprisonment, will be sentenced at a future date once appropriate reports have been prepared.
Family's heartbreak and tributes
Following the court hearing, Graham Measures of the Crown Prosecution Service commented: 'Michael Doherty is a dangerous and violent man who subjected Courtney Angus to a horrific death. She was just 21 years old with her whole life ahead of her. Nothing can undo the devastation Doherty has caused, but we hope this outcome brings some sense of justice for Courtney's family and friends.'
In a heartfelt statement released after their daughter's death, Miss Angus's family expressed their profound grief: '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.'
The family released a photograph of Courtney following her tragic death, showing a vibrant young woman whose life was brutally cut short. The case has sent shockwaves through the Batley community, where both the victim and perpetrator were known to locals.
