Michael Doherty, 38, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Courtney Angus, who was killed just hours before her 21st birthday. The Leeds Crown Court heard that Doherty confessed to the murder after police discovered Angus's body in his home in Dewsbury. He had previously expressed romantic feelings towards her and threatened suicide when she did not reciprocate. Doherty, who has a criminal history including a rape conviction, was arrested following a violent rampage where he threatened supermarket staff with a knife. During the court proceedings, it was revealed that he sent messages to friends confessing to the murder, claiming that Angus had attacked him with a knife. The judge imposed a minimum term of 33 years, after which Doherty will be eligible for parole. Angus's family expressed their devastation over her loss, describing her as a beautiful soul who brought joy to their lives.