Arrest warrant issued for father after attacking celebrant at son's funeral

Summarised from 4 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 27 Oct, 13:39 · Archive

An arrest warrant has been issued for Gye Worthy, 40, after he failed to appear at Teesside Magistrates' Court for sentencing. Worthy was due to be sentenced for offences committed at his son's funeral service on 9 September at Teesside Crematorium.

Worthy had admitted assaulting Paul Maull, 46, the celebrant conducting the service for his 17-year-old son Cole. According to the outlets, Worthy flew into a rage after allegedly not being named soon enough in the eulogy. He grabbed Mr Maull by his clothing, dragged him and threatened him with violence in front of mourners before resisting police officers called to the scene.

Cole died in an A66 crash in August that claimed seven lives in total. Four other young men died alongside Cole, and two police officers were killed when the vehicle smashed head-on into a police car.

Worthy pleaded guilty to assault by beating, using threatening behaviour, resisting arrest, and stealing four bottles of wine valued at £30 from a shop on 8 October. He had also failed to attend a compulsory appointment with probation officers for preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Prosecutor Adam Scott told the court that Worthy had been bailed to attend sentencing but did not appear. Deputy District Judge Julia Baggs issued a warrant for his arrest 'not backed for bail', meaning he must be held in police custody once located and brought directly before the court. The court heard Worthy had made no contact with his solicitor or the court to explain his absence.

How it is being reported

• Arrest warrant for dad of teen killed in A66 crash after attacking celebrant at son's funeralGye Worthy, 40, whose 17-year-old son Cole was among seven people killed in the A66 crash, is wanted after failing to appear at Teesside Magistrates’ Court.The Mirror · 27 Oct, 13:32
• Dad on the run after funeral attack following A66 death crashWarrent issued for arrest of self-employed businessman Gye Worthy after he attacked the celebrant at his son's funeral.Daily Express · 27 Oct, 13:29
• Manhunt for father of teenager killed in A66 Middlesbrough crash after he fails to appear in court for assaulting celebrant at son's funeralGye Worthy, 40, assaulted Paul Maull, 46, during the memorial service for his 17-year-old son Cole, who died alongside four other young men with suspected links to organised crime.Daily Mail · 27 Oct, 12:41
• Manhunt for A66 crash victim's dad who attacked celebrant at funeralWorthy previously admitted assaulting the celebrant Paul Maull during the funeral service for Cole WorthyThe Independent · 27 Oct, 11:42
• Police hunt father of teen killed in A66 crash after dodging court on fresh shoplifting chargeGye Worthy, 40, assaulted Paul Maull, 46, during the cremation service for his son Cole, who died alongside four others when their car smashed into a police vehicle, killing two officers, in August.Daily Mail · 26 Oct, 18:23

In this story: Gye Worthy · Cole Worthy · Paul Maull · Teesside Magistrates' Court · Teesside Crematorium · A66 · Middlesbrough

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem