Man admits woman's murder and knife rampage

A man who killed a 21-year-old woman at his home before going on a "knife-wielding rampage" has pleaded guilty to her murder.

Courtney Angus was found dead at Michael Doherty's house in Batley, West Yorkshire, on 25 July.

The next day, the 38-year-old went to a supermarket in nearby Dewsbury where he threatened staff with a knife, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

At Leeds Crown Court earlier, he admitted murder and was remanded in custody until a date yet to be fixed. He was warned by the judge that he faces a sentence of life in prison.

Doherty, also known as Michael Moore, of Norfolk Street, also pleaded guilty to three counts of threatening a person with a bladed article in a public place and one count of theft.

West Yorkshire Police said officers had found the victim's body after Doherty told them he had killed three people. She had been assaulted and strangled.

Inquiries were made to identify other potential victims of Doherty, but it was later determined that the information he had given police was inaccurate.

Graham Measures, District Crown Prosecutor for CPS Yorkshire and 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.

"Our 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."

The CPS said they built a case against Doherty showing he had expressed a romantic interest in Courtney on the day of the murder and threatened to kill himself when she did not reciprocate.

Courtney had been staying at Doherty's address for several days before the fatal attack.

A witness later reported seeing a man looking agitated, saying he had "done something terrible".

Courtney's family said she was an "amazing woman" with a "beautiful soul".

Staff at the Fox and Hounds pub in Batley, where she worked, said she was "sweet, kind, and always with a warm smile."

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