Man pleads guilty to murdering Courtney Angus, 21, before 'violent rampage' across Dewsbury
A man has pleaded guilty to the brutal murder of a woman at his home in Batley, before going on a knife-wielding rampage.
Michael Doherty, also known as Michael Moore, appeared before Leeds Crown Court today (Monday, January 21) where he pleaded guilty to the murder of Courtney Angus, 21.
Courtney’s body was found at Doherty’s address in Batley on July 26 last year after he told officers he had killed three people. She had been assaulted and strangled.
The day after the murder, Doherty went on a “violent rampage across Dewsbury,” stealing from local shops and threatening supermarket staff with a knife, according to the Crown Prosecution Service.
Graham Measures, District Crown Prosecutor for CPS Yorkshire & Humberside, said: “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.
“Or lawyers worked closely with West Yorkshire Police to build a thorough prosecution and present the full extent of Doherty's offending – ultimately resulting in the guilty pleas we have achieved today.
“Nothing can undo the devastation Doherty has caused, but we hope this outcome brings some sense of justice for Courtney's family and friends.”
West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, who led the investigation into Courtney’s death, carried out substantial enquiries to identify the locations and identities of Doherty’s other victims, but later determined that his information was inaccurate.
The 38-year-old, of Norfolk Street, Batley, also pleaded guilty to three charges of threatening a person with a blade in relation to the incidents which led to his arrest, and theft.
He was remanded in custody to be sentenced at a later date.