The father of a teenager killed in the A66 wrong-way crash in Middlesbrough is accused of attacking a man at his son's funeral service. Gye Worthy, 39, is due to appear in court today after an alleged fight at the funeral of his son, Cole Worthy, 17, who died in the crash on August 22.
Funeral altercation
The incident took place at Teesside Crematorium on September 9. Police were called to the chapel following reports of a disturbance. Worthy is said to have shouted insults before attacking a man when his name was not mentioned in Cole's eulogy, while his stepdad was included, the Sun reports.
He is said to have verbally abused Paul Maull before assaulting him. The teenager's loved ones at the service were left 'devastated and shocked' by the altercation, but the service resumed afterwards.
Court proceedings
Worthy is due to appear at Teesside Magistrates' Court today charged with common assault, a public order offence and obstructing police after a disturbance. The 39-year-old previously admitted using threatening or abusive language and behaviour towards Mr Maull, and pleaded guilty to beating him. He is due to be sentenced on October 27.
Background
Worthy's semi-detached Middlesbrough home near South Bank was damaged shortly before the fatal crash which killed his son, the Daily Mail reports. A red Volvo is said to have rammed into the front of the home, causing serious damage.
Cole died in the overnight crash with friends Makai Saddington, 18, Theo Ray, 17, Jacob Matusiak, 23, and Michael Robert Cahill, 23. PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough were killed after the Volkswagen crashed into them.
