DAD FACES JAIL AFTER CHAOS AT HIS SON’S FUNERAL — GYE WORTHY APPEARS IN COURT

The father of 17-year-old Cole Worthy, one of five young men killed in the horrific A66 crash in August, is facing the possibility of jail after an alleged confrontation at his son’s funeral.

Gye Worthy, 40, is due before Teesside Magistrates’ Court on October 2, charged with common assault, a public-order offence and obstructing police. The charges relate to a disturbance at Cole’s funeral at Teesside Crematorium on September 9.

According to reports, the disturbance began during the funeral service after celebrant Paul Maull delivered his eulogy for Cole.

The Sun reported that Gye allegedly became angry because he was not mentioned during the tribute, while Cole’s stepfather was referenced. He is accused of confronting and attacking the celebrant, with police then called to the crematorium. These allegations have not been proven in court.

Cleveland Police confirmed that a 39-year-old man was arrested at the crematorium following reports of a disturbance. The force later confirmed that he had been charged with common assault, a public-order offence and obstructing police.

The funeral service eventually resumed, while officers remained in the area to provide reassurance.

COLE WAS ONE OF SEVEN PEOPLE KILLED

Cole Worthy was one of five young men who died in the August 22 A66 crash.

The other victims were Michael Robert Cahill, 23; Jakub Matusiak, 23; Makai Saddington, 18; and Theo Rae, 17.

Two police officers, PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, also died when the Volkswagen Passat carrying the five young men collided with their marked police vehicle.

The crash shocked the Middlesbrough and wider Teesside community.

Police later said the young men in the Passat may have had links to organised crime. However, there has been no suggestion that Gye Worthy himself was linked to organised crime.

A FUNERAL THAT TURNED INTO ANOTHER TRAGEDY

For Cole’s family, the funeral was supposed to be a final opportunity to say goodbye to a teenager whose life had ended at just 17.

Instead, the ceremony was disrupted by the reported confrontation.

A source close to the family told The Sun that Cole’s mother, Natalie McConnell, was left devastated and shocked by what happened.

McConnell and Gye Worthy had separated some time ago, according to reports.

The incident occurred on the same day that the funeral of PC Matthew Blades was held in Hartlepool.

PC Tom Clough’s funeral followed the next day, bringing together police officers, Army veterans and members of the local community to remember the two officers.

THE CASE NOW MOVES TO COURT

Gye Worthy has been charged with common assault, a public-order offence and obstructing police.

His appearance at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on October 2 marks the next stage of the legal process.

At this point, the allegations remain unproven, and Worthy is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until proven guilty.

For a family already dealing with the sudden loss of a 17-year-old son, the court case adds another painful chapter to a tragedy that began on the A66.

Cole’s life ended in August.

His funeral in September was meant to be a moment of remembrance.

Now, his father is facing court over what happened during that farewell.

And behind the headlines remains the loss of a 17-year-old boy whose family had gathered to say goodbye.