A man has confessed to killing a young woman just before her 21st birthday. Michael Moore, also known as Michael Doherty, had a trial scheduled at Leeds Crown Court for the murder of 21-year-old Courtney Angus in July the previous year. Along with the murder charge, the 37-year-old faced accusations of possessing a bladed item, causing public disturbance, and intimidating individuals with a bladed object in public. Courtney was discovered deceased in a residence on Norfolk Street, Batley, West Yorkshire, mere hours before her planned 21st birthday celebration at Sky Lounge.

West Yorkshire Police were alerted to Ms. Angus’ passing following a report of an armed robbery at an Asda supermarket in Dewsbury at 9:20 pm on July 26, 2025. Upon responding to the incident, officers apprehended a man who disclosed the presence of a deceased woman at a residence on Norfolk Street. A knife was confiscated at the site, as confirmed by the authorities.

Upon arriving at the Batley address, law enforcement discovered Ms. Angus, a Dewsbury native. Doherty, residing on Norfolk Street, confessed to her murder, along with theft and three instances of threatening others with a blade. However, he contested the charges of possessing a bladed object and causing a public disturbance. Judge Tom Bayliss KC declared that Doherty would be sentenced at a later date, affirming to him the consequences of his guilty plea regarding Courtney Angus’ murder.

Following the confirmation of the young woman’s demise, Ms. Angus’s family issued a heartfelt statement expressing their devastation over the loss of their beloved daughter and sister. They highlighted Courtney’s kind spirit, passion for music, socializing, and enjoyment of life, emphasizing the profound impact her absence has had on their family.