The father of a teenager killed in a crash on the A66 in Middlesbrough is facing potential imprisonment after an incident at his son's funeral. Gye Worthy, 40, is accused of attacking the celebrant, Paul Maull, during the service for 17-year-old Cole Worthy on September 9. Reports indicate that Worthy became upset when Maull did not mention him in the eulogy, although he did acknowledge Cole's step-father.
Worthy allegedly shouted insults and assaulted the celebrant, leading to police intervention at Teesside Crematorium. A source close to the family stated that Cole's mother, Natalie McConnell, was shocked by the disruption. McConnell and Worthy have been separated for some time and both have new partners.
Worthy, who runs a specialist lifting company, has a home in Acklam, Middlesbrough, which recently sustained significant damage in an incident currently under investigation by Cleveland Police. This occurred shortly before Cole was killed in the crash, which also claimed the lives of four other young men and two police officers.
The crash, which took place on August 22, involved a VW Passat that was reportedly fleeing from police and collided with a police vehicle. Authorities have stated that the individuals involved had connections to organized crime, but there is no indication that Worthy is linked to such activities. Worthy has been charged with common assault, public order offenses, and obstructing police, and is scheduled to appear at Teesside Magistrates' Court on Friday.