Michael Doherty, 38, from Batley, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 33 years at Leeds Crown Court for the murder of 21-year-old Courtney Angus in Dewsbury.
Police arrested Doherty during a response to a robbery on 26 July 2025, where he threatened officers with a knife and admitted to killing Courtney. Her body was found at his home later that day.
When West Yorkshire Police attended the scene of a supermarket robbery, Doherty confronted them, brandishing a knife and making violent threats. Officers deployed a Taser to subdue him after he attempted to enter a nearby pub.
Forensic examination confirmed that Courtney Angus had been assaulted, strangled, and sexually abused. The post-mortem report detailed injuries consistent with a serious sexual assault.
Senior Investigating Officer Dan Bates said, “Doherty carried out his violent attack on Courtney after she told him she was not interested in having a relationship with him. His willingness to use violence was further shown by threatening shop workers and police. He is a very dangerous man.”
Courtney’s family paid tribute, stating, “Courtney was a loving and vibrant young woman with her whole life ahead of her. Her loss has changed us all, and while we are relieved justice is done, every day carries the weight of her absence.” They also thanked West Yorkshire Police and the CPS for their support throughout the case.
Originally published by UKNIP.
