Watch: Killer who strangled young woman tasered by police in Dewsbury town centre

Michael Doherty, also known as Michael Moore, 38 from Batley, was arrested in Dewsbury town centre on July 26, 2025, after police responded to reports of a robbery at a nearby supermarket.

They were confronted by Doherty, who brandished a knife and made threats to harm the officers if they did not do what he said, the court heard.

During this confrontation Doherty attempted to enter a nearby pub, which saw taser officers deployed to subdue him and minimise the threat.

The court heard how he told officers that he had killed someone and that there was a body in his house.

The body of Courtney Angus, 21,was found later that day.

She had been assaulted and strangled, the court heard.

A forensic post-mortem also found she had injuries indicative of a serious sexual assault.

On Thursday (May 28), Doherty appeared before Leeds Crown Court where he received a life sentence with a minimum term of 33 years after pleading guilty to murdering Courtney.

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.”

Following the sentencing police released a statement from the family of Courtney Angus in which they said every day “carried the weight of her absence”.

The statement said: “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.”