Father delays second inquest into his daughter’s death

THE second inquest into the death of toddler Poppi Worthington has been delayed by her father.

Paul Worthington’s solicitors argued they had had insufficient time to prepare for the hearing, which was due to start in Kendal, Cumbria, next week, after he finally secured legal aid last week. He had been turned down three times previously. A family court judge had ruled that Mr Worthington probably sexually assaulted Poppi before her death. However, he strenuously denies any wrongdoing and the Crown Prosecution Service said there was “insufficient evidence” to charge him.

The Coroner for Cumbria, David Roberts, has granted the adjournment request after he concluded that not doing so would risk undermining the findings and conclusion of the inquest.

The hearing into the death of the toddler, who collapsed suddenly at the family home in Barrow-in-furness in December 2012, is now listed to take place between October and December.

Fiona Mcghie, from the law firm Irwin Mitchell, which is representing the girl’s mother, said: “Poppi’s mother was extremely disappointed to learn that Poppi’s inquest will now be delayed. She accepts and respects the coroner’s decision, but is saddened by this further delay.

“She desperately wants answers surrounding what happened to her little girl so that Poppi can finally be at peace.”

Mr Roberts said Mr Worthington was “a key factual witness” who would be required to give evidence and would need legal assistance to “ensure that his position is properly protected and the evidence is thoroughly tested”.

He said he “did not underestimate the emotional need for Poppi’s mother and siblings...to see the end of this process” but he did not see any evidence to suggest that prejudice would result from a further adjournment.