Family tribute to woman as man charged with murder

Courtney Angus was found dead at a house in Batley on Saturday night

The family of a woman found dead at a house in West Yorkshire say their lives have been "shattered and turned upside down" as a man appeared in court charged with her murder.

Courtney Angus, who was 21 and from Dewsbury, was found dead at a property in Norfolk Street, Batley, on Saturday evening.

Michael Doherty appeared at Leeds Magistrates' Court earlier, where he was remanded in custody to appear at Leeds Crown Court on Friday.

In a statement, Ms Angus' relatives said she had "a beautiful soul", adding: "Her whole family is heartbroken over the loss of such an amazing woman."

"Courtney had many friends and family who loved her," the statement added.

"She will be missed so dearly."

On Tuesday staff at the Fox and Hounds pub in Batley, where Ms Angus worked, paid tribute to her.

They said: "We are heartbroken to hear the devastating news about Courtney.

"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."

Ms Angus's family released a new picture of her

Wearing grey-coloured prison-issue clothing, Mr Doherty, who police previously named as Michael Moore, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address, and to say that he understood the charges against him.

As well as Ms Angus' murder, the 37-year-old has also been charged with possession of a bladed article, affray and threatening two police officers with a bladed article in a public place.

District Judge Charlotte Kate Holland told the defendant the charges against him were too serious to be heard at a magistrates' court before sending the case to the city's crown court.

The hearing was told Mr Doherty, of Norfolk Street in Batley, had also been charged with theft of electrical goods of an unknown value from the Asda Superstore in Dewsbury on Saturday, as well as threatening a person with a bladed article.

Those charges were unrelated to the other four, District Judge Holland said.

Mr Doherty gave no indication of how he would plead to the either-way offences of theft and threatening a person with a bladed article, which could be dealt with at either a crown court or by a magistrate.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.