COURT ISSUES ARREST WARRANT FOR GYE WORTHY

Teesside Magistrates’ Court issued a warrant for Gye Worthy’s arrest on 27 October after he failed to attend a sentencing hearing. Worthy had admitted assaulting the celebrant at the funeral of his son, Cole Worthy, at St Bede’s Chapel in Acklam Crematorium, Middlesbrough. Adam Scott, prosecuting, told the court that Worthy had been bailed to attend that morning. Scott said: “He has had no contact with his solicitor.”

Cole Worthy was among seven people killed in an A66 crash in August; two police officers also died. During the funeral service on 9 September, Gye Worthy rose from his seat as the celebrant addressed the congregation. He admitted dragging the celebrant by his clothes, threatening violence and resisting police officers called to the chapel. He also admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words and behaviour towards the celebrant with intent to cause fear of unlawful violence. In a separate incident, Worthy admitted stealing four bottles of wine worth £30 from a shop.

Worthy’s home in Ruskin Avenue, Middlesbrough, was ram-raided shortly before Cole left the property on the night of the crash. Neighbours said Worthy’s behaviour had become increasingly erratic and expressed concern for his welfare. Scott requested an arrest warrant after Worthy had not appeared by 10.30am. The court confirmed that it was issuing a second warrant for his arrest.