MAN ‘CAUGHT SHOPLIFTING AND THREATENED STAFF WITH A KNIFE’ BEFORE POLICE FOUND BAR MAID DEAD AT HOME

A man accused of killing a 21-year-old bar maid was arrested at an Asda supermaket on suspicion of shoplifting and threatening staff with a knife shortly before her body was found, a court has heard. Michael Doherty - aka Moore - appeared in court for the first time today charged with the murder of Courtney Angus on July 26 in Batley, West Yorkshire.
Mr Doherty, 37, spoke only to confirm his name, age and address for a three minute hearing at Leeds Magistrates' Court.
Chewing gum and rubbing his hands throughout, Doherty was wearing a grey long sleeved sweat top and joggers.
Bar maid Courtney was discovered at an end of terrace home in Norfolk Street on Saturday after Doherty was arrested at an ASDA supermarket.
He had been allegedly shoplifting and carrying a knife. Prosecutor Kaye Barnard outlined further charges relating to that incident.
It is alleged Doherty was seen stealing electrical items from ASDA and then, it is claimed, he threatened a supermarket employee with a knife.
Later, he is alleged to have threatened two police officers with the bladed article. He is also charged with affray.
Shortly afterwards, police found Courtney's body at an address in Norfolk Street, Batley. No cause of death has been released.
No pleas were taken for the charges of murder, possession of a bladed article, theft from a shop, threatening a person with a bladed article, threatening police officers with a bladed article or affray. All charges related to July 26.
District Judge Charlotte Holland told him the murder offences and knife matters are too serious to be heard at magistrates' court.
'I have to send them to Leeds Crown Court. I am not able to deal with a bail application today,' she told him.  
Doherty was remanded into custody until August 1 when he will appear at Leeds Crown Court.
Courtney has been described as 'a beautiful girl with a beautiful soul'. Neighbours said father-of-three Doherty did various jobs, including labouring and only last week had started a window cleaning round.
Today Courtney's family paid tribute to her, writing: '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.'