A66 crash victim's father pleads guilty to attacking celebrant at son's funeral

Gye Worthy, 40, of Acklam, Middlesbrough, is accused of assaulting the celebrant at the funeral of his son Cole Worthy, 17, on 9 September. 1 2 The Daily Mirror reports that Worthy appeared before Teesside magistrates in an unscheduled hearing on Saturday 26 September and admitted three charges: assault by beating, using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, and resisting arrest. 2 The Mirror says the case was adjourned until 2 October, a sentencing date was identified for 27 October and pre-sentence reports were ordered. The Daily Mail, published earlier on 2 October, says Worthy faces prison and is due at Teesside Magistrates' Court that day; it describes him as accused and does not mention a plea. 2 1

Both outlets cite a source close to the family who said Worthy was angered because the celebrant had not mentioned them, or not soon enough, in the eulogy. The Mail adds that the celebrant, Paul Maull, did mention Cole's step-father. 1 2 The Mirror says the 46-year-old celebrant was "shocked and shaken" but not seriously hurt, and declined to comment. It places the attack in St Bede's Chapel at Acklam Crematorium, whereas the Mail names Teesside Crematorium. 2 Cole's mother, Natalie McConnell, who has long been separated from Worthy, was described by a source close to the family as devastated and shocked by the disruption. 1 2

Cole was one of five young men who died in the crash on the A66 near Middlesbrough on Saturday 22 August, with Jakub Matusiak, 23, Makai Saddington, 18, Michael Cahill, 23, and Theo Rae, 17. Police officers PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, also died. 1 2 Cleveland Police said the five in the VW Passat had links to organised crime and were trying to flee police when they drove the wrong way up the A66 into a police vehicle. The incident was blamed on a gangland turf war over drug supply, and the Mail notes there is no suggestion Worthy is linked to organised crime. 1 Worthy's £200,000 home had been seriously damaged shortly before the crash, in an incident Cleveland Police are investigating. The Mirror says a red Volvo reversed into the house twice and that Cole and four associates then set out in the Passat to find it, intent on revenge; the Mail does not give that account. 2 1

The Mirror adds that an interim report ruled out tactical contact by police and use of a Stinger device, and quotes the Independent Office for Police Conduct saying there is no suggestion the collision resulted from direct police contact. 2