A dead young woman’s family saw her alleged murderer for the first time as they attended court this morning.
Grieving relatives of Courtney Angus, 21, were accompanied by a police family liaison officer for the first appearance in crown court of suspected murderer Michael Doherty, 37.
The barmaid, who worked at the Fox and Hounds Pub, in Batley, was discovered dead at the end terrace property on Norfolk Street after odd-job man Doherty had been arrested by police for allegedly shoplifting electrical items from Asda and threatening staff with a knife.
Doherty is also alleged to have threatened two police officers with the bladed weapon.
Doherty – AKA Moore – is charged with the murder of Courtney at his home in Norfolk Street, Batley, West Yorkshire, on 26 July.
Appearing via video link from HMP Leeds, Doherty, 37, wearing a prison issue yellow and green jump suit answered ‘no’ when asked by the court clerk ‘are you Michael Moore?’
Judge Tom Bayliss KC, after being informed by defence barrister Richard Wright KC that he uses another surname, asked him ‘Are you Michael Doherty?’ – to which he replied ‘yes’.
No plea or indication of plea was taken and the case was listed for trial at Leeds Crown Court on 26 January 2026. No bail application was made and Doherty was remanded in custody.
Grieving relatives of Courtney Angus, 21, (pictured) were accompanied by a police family liaison officer for the first appearance in crown court of suspected killer Michael Doherty, 37
The barmaid, who worked at the Fox and Hounds Pub, in Batley, was discovered dead at the end terrace property on Norfolk Street after odd-job man Doherty had been arrested by police for allegedly shoplifting electrical items from Asda and threatening staff with a knife
It was the first time her family have been to court as they weren’t at his first magistrates court hearing.
District Judge Charlotte Holland told him at the previous hearing on Wednesday that the murder offences and knife matters are too serious to be heard at magistrates’ court.
Turning to Courtney’s family sitting in the public gallery, Judge Bayliss told them today: ‘Thank you very much for your attendance today. It must be a very difficult time for you, indeed.
‘I’m sorry that it is so very formal here, but you would expect that, I’m sure.’
No cause of death for Courtney has yet been released.
Earlier this week, Courtney’s family paid tribute to her, stating: ‘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.
‘Courtney had many friends and family who loved her. She will be missed so dearly.
‘We would like to thank the community and the media for their support, and ask for privacy at this difficult time.’
Staff at the Fox and Hounds also paid tribute, writing: ‘We are heartbroken to hear the devastating news about Courtney.
Pictured: Police at the scene of the death on Norfolk Street, Batley
‘Though she was only with us at The Fox for a short while, she left a lasting impression – sweet, kind, and always with a warm smile.’
Father-of-three Doherty, who has worked as a labourer and recently started a window cleaning round, is charged with the murder of Courtney Angus on 26 July.
He is also charged with possession of a bladed article, two charges of threatening police officers with a bladed article, affray, shop theft from Asda of electrical items to value unknown, and threatening a member of Asda staff with a bladed article. All charges relate to 26 July.
Police said these charges relate to incidents in Dewsbury on the same day.
Doherty will next appear at Leeds Crown Court on 5 September for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
