Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Mum’s nightmare as Poppi’s dad battles ‘sex abuse’ ruling
Lawyers for father want coroner report changed
It is perfectly clear this was an asphyxia death. He has overstepped the mark LESLIE THOMAS QC LAWYER FOR PAUL WORTHINGTON
THE mother of tragic Poppi Worthington is living a “nightmare” as the tot’s father goes to court over her death, it emerged yesterday.
Lawyers for Paul Worthington are claiming a coroner “overstepped the mark” when he included signs of sexual abuse in the record of her death – even though she suffocated in bed.
Mr Worthington, who refused to answer questions about how Poppi died 252 times, wants the reference to her internal injuries deleted from the findings.
The ex-supermarket worker has taken his case to the High Court in Manchester, where it is not known if he has legal aid.
Poppi’s mum, who cannot be named, is said to be devastated that he is refusing to accept the coroner’s findings on the December 2012 tragedy .
Fiona Mcghie, a lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the mum, said: “The years since Poppi died have been a complete nightmare for her.
“It is likely that she may never get full closure on exactly what happened that night.”
FRUSTRATED
Ms Mcghie said the mum understood Mr Worthington, 50, was entitled not to answer questions at the inquest.
But she added: “She considers that the coroner’s inquiry was frustrated by this. She is now disappointed that he has challenged the coroner.”
The inquest heard 13-monthold Poppi died in an “unsafe sleeping environment” in her father’s bed at the family home in Barrow-in-furness, Cumbria.
Cumbria coroner David Roberts ruled that she had suffered internal injuries but that these were not the cause of her death, which was asphyxia.
Mr Worthington, who was never charged with any offence after police botched an investigation, is now in hiding.
Leslie Thomas QC, representing him, told the High Court the coroner was wrong to include a mention of the injuries because the record should only detail how the child died.
He said: “It is perfectly clear this was an asphyxia death. He has overstepped the mark.”
But Samantha Leek QC, representing the coroner, said: “She came by her death because she is brought into bed to be harmed. It would be completely artificial to leave that out.”
Mr Justice Hickinbottom said he would reserve judgment.