Father refuses to answer 252 questions at Poppi inquest

♦ The father of Poppi Worthington, who died aged 13 months in 2012, has refused his only chance to deny in open court that he sexually assaulted her.

At an inquest in Cumbria yesterday, Paul Worthington declined to answer 252 questions about Poppi’s final moments.

It has already been concluded by a High Court judge that he “probably sexually assaulted” her, but no charges can be brought as a police blunder meant that there is “insufficient evidence”. Mr Worthington answered every question with a reference to Rule 22 of the Coroner’s Rules, which states that a witness does not have to answer any question that might incriminate them.

As the girl’s mother sat in court, he refused to answer questions about sexual assault and suffocation.

The mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, left the courtroom in tears as he ignored questions put by her barrister.

The inquest continues.