Fury at £50k-a-year police protection for dad accused of sex attack on tragic tot
ANGER erupted yesterday after it emerged the father of tragic baby Poppi Worthington is living in hiding, funded by the taxpayer.
MP John Woodcock blasted Paul Worthington’s £50,000-a-year police protection as “absurd and expensive” and demanded a full public inquiry into the shambolic saga.
Worthington, 49, has been protected since a High Court judge accused him in 2016 of molesting his daughter.
On Monday, Cumbria Coroner David Roberts also concluded that Worthington sexually assaulted his 13-month-old child at the family home before she died in 2012.
Yesterday he formally referred his verdict decision to crown prosecutors – in case they wish to review their decision not to charge Worthington.
Mr Woodcock, local Labour MP in Barrow, fumed: “Our community will resent this daily reminder of the abject failure of the police to do their job in the first place.
“We have to try every avenue and hope that the coroner’s verdict gives us a chance at getting a trial that would end this absurd and expensive situation.
Assaulted
“But the chances are slim, which is why I am calling for a public inquiry.”
Former Asda worker Worthington avoided a criminal trial due to a series of blunders by Cumbria police. As a result, Crown Prosecution Service chief Nazir Afzal was unable to charge the father, who denies sexual assault.
Instead, it was left to High Court judge Mr Justice Jackson in 2016 to sensationally rule Worthington had sexually assaulted Poppi.
The father – who was accompanied by two police officers armed with Tasers at last month’s inquest in Kendal – refused to answer 252 questions about her death.
His accounts of how she died were slammed by coroner Mr Roberts for “not being credible” and “raising concerning questions”.
Describing the events that led to her death, Mr Roberts said: “At some time after 2.30am, Poppi was taken from her cot into the double bedroom. Her pyjama bottoms and nappy were removed and she was sexually assaulted. Only can provide an happened.”
Worthington’s lawyers stress he is “considering his options” and “not saying anything”.
Poppi’s mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also demanded a fresh criminal inquiry.
Her lawyer Fiona McGhee said: “She hopes the CPS will now take another look at this case.”
Cumbria Police stress they have a duty to protect the father “due to threats having been made”. Chief Constable Jeremy Graham has apologised for his force’s failings.
Detective Inspector Amanda Sadler, a former Miss Great Britain, was demoted for gross incompetency and has since retired, along with her boss, former Detective Chief Inspector Mike Forrester.
Mr Woodcock said: “It is hard to overstate our anger at seeing an officer responsible for gross incompetence able to keep a job before retiring. Police officers need leaders prepared to recognise the damage done by this tragedy.” Paul Worthington account of what Poppi was assaulted in the bedroom, right. Inset, her father, Worthington