CRYING DAD CALLS TOT POPPI A ‘BULLY’
No answers for 252 questions
A DAD suspected of killing his 13-monthold daughter in a sex attack yesterday said she was a “bully”.
Paul Worthington, 49, broke down in tears as he refused to answer questions about Poppi’s death at an inquest.
He was asked if he had put his hand over her face or smothered her with a pillow as he abused her.
But he refused to answer 252 questions about the final hours of his daughter’s life at the hearing in Kendal, Cumbria.
He is granted that right under Coroners Rule 22.
But he did respond when asked to describe the tot.
He said she was “lively and bubbly”. Then he added: “She could bully you in her own little way.”
Mr Worthington, who denies any wrongdoing, has been in hiding after death threats.
He was driven to the inquest by police in a blacked out van from a secret address. Mr Worthington was also asked to explain why Poppi’s DNA was found on his genitals. He refused to answer. Asked if he had sexually assaulted his daughter he replied: “I refer to my earlier statements. I don’t wish to answer under Rule 22.”
He was asked if he had “placed Poppi in a position where her face was pressed into a pillow”.
Mr Worthington gave the same answer.
The inquest continues.