POPPI WORTHINGTON: TODDLER SEXUALLY ASSAULTED, CORONER RULES
Warning: This story contains distressing content.The coroner has determined that toddler Poppi Worthington was sexually assaulted by her father prior to her death, which was officially attributed to asphyxia.
Coroner David Roberts explained that Paul Worthington assaulted his daughter while she was in his bed, then covered her with a blanket and went to sleep.
The cause of death was linked to her breathing being obstructed due to what was described as an unsafe sleeping environment.
Mr Roberts noted that his interpretation of the events presented by Mr Worthington did not withstand scrutiny.
During a three-week inquest held at Kendal Coroner's Court, Poppi’s father chose not to answer 252 questions related to the circumstances of her death on December 12, 2012.
However, he did tell the court that he had gone to get Poppi a fresh diaper and found her limp when he returned a few minutes later.
He added that he quickly rushed downstairs, where Poppi’s mother was sleeping, and she then called an ambulance.
The 13-month-old died shortly after arriving at Furness General Hospital.
After hearing conflicting expert medical opinions, Mr Roberts stated he believed Mr Worthington sexually assaulted Poppi most likely with his finger and that the assault ceased when she cried out in pain.
While he found that Poppi was likely anally penetrated prior to her death, he concluded that this act was not the immediate cause of death, and he could not definitively classify it as murder or manslaughter due to insufficient evidence.
The coroner also noted Poppi had an upper respiratory infection, which helped compromise her breathing, especially since she was placed in her father's bed.
A verdict of accidental death was considered but ultimately deemed inappropriate because the death was not considered the result of an unintended act or omission.
Mr Worthington, 50, through his legal representatives, said he was contemplating his legal options.
In a 2016 family court, a judge indicated that Mr Worthington probably sexually assaulted his daughter shortly before her death.
Mr Worthington has denied any wrongdoing, and authorities have not charged him, citing lack of sufficient evidence.
During the inquest, he declined to answer over 250 questions, citing his right to avoid self-incrimination under the Coroners and Justice Act.
His sister, Tracey Worthington, expressed support for his decision, stating she did not blame him and trusted his lawyer’s advice.
She mentioned that Poppi’s mother, who cannot be named publicly, described the past five years since her child’s death as a real nightmare, and expressed disappointment that Mr Worthington refused to testify, believing he should have provided crucial details about Poppi’s last hours.
The police investigation into Poppi’s death was criticised for mishandling evidence, with Chief Constable Jerry Graham apologizing for deficiencies.
He acknowledged that the original investigation in 2012 failed to help the coroner draw firm conclusions and stated he would consult with the Crown Prosecution Service to explore next steps.
A CPS spokesperson confirmed there were no plans to review any charging decisions, but they remained open to referrals from the coroner.
Labour MP John Woodcock called for a public inquiry, criticizing police failings, and emphasised the importance of exposing systemic issues that contributed to the tragedy.
Last year, detective inspector Amanda Sadler was disciplined and demoted following a misconduct hearing, and has since retired along with her superior, Mike Forrester.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission had previously found both officers responsible for gross misconduct.
The inquest marked the second hearing into Poppi’s death; a prior inquiry in 2014 lasted less than eight minutes and declared her cause of death as “unascertained.”
