The father of one of the teenagers killed in the fatal A66 crash near Middlesbrough has been charged following an alleged assault and disturbance at his son’s funeral.
Gye Worthy, 39, was arrested at Teesside Crematorium during the funeral of his 17-year-old son Cole Worthy.
Cleveland Police said he has now been charged with common assault, a public order offence and obstructing police.
He is due to appear before Teesside Magistrates’ Court on October 2.
Disturbance During Funeral Service
The incident happened during Cole’s funeral service at Teesside Crematorium on Wednesday.
Worthy is accused of assaulting a mourner and obstructing police after officers were called to deal with the disturbance.
A source close to the family said Cole’s mother, Natalie McConnell, was left “devastated and shocked” by what happened.
Cole’s parents separated a number of years ago and both have new partners.
The allegations against Gye Worthy have not yet been proven in court.
Cleveland Police Confirm Charges
A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: “The 39-year-old man arrested yesterday at Teesside Crematorium, following a disturbance during a service, has now been charged with common assault, public order and obstructing police.
“He is due to appear before Teesside Magistrates’ Court on October 2.”
Cole Worthy Died In A66 Crash
Cole was one of seven people killed in the A66 collision near Middlesbrough on August 22.
He died alongside four other young men after the Volkswagen Passat they were travelling in entered the A66 in the wrong direction and collided head-on with a marked Cleveland Police armed response vehicle.
The two officers killed were PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38.
Police have previously said the five young men in the Passat had links to serious and organised criminal activity.
There is no suggestion that Gye Worthy himself has links to organised crime.
Father’s Home Had Been Rammed Before Crash
Hours before the fatal collision, a property linked to Cole’s father had been rammed by a vehicle.
The incident formed part of the wider investigation into events surrounding the crash.
Police have previously said a Volvo XC60 was involved in ramming properties in Middlesbrough before the fatal collision and that the Passat was believed to have been associated with that activity.
Detectives have been investigating suspected serious and organised crime links surrounding the events of that night.
Family Tribute To Cole
A family announcement issued for Cole’s memorial described him as an adored son, brother, grandson and friend.
It said: “In loving memory of Cole, our beautiful boy taken from us on 22nd August 2022.
“An adored son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin. A loving boyfriend to Ruby and a cherished friend to many. Fly high Cole, forever 17.”
Cole’s funeral took place on the same day as the funeral of PC Matthew Blades in Hartlepool.
Hundreds of police officers lined the streets for PC Blades’ funeral, while PC Tom Clough was honoured at a separate service the following day.
