Full Breakdown
Arrest Warrant Issued for Gye Worthy After Funeral Assault
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Gye Worthy, 40, after he failed to appear at Teesside Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on 27 October. Worthy had previously admitted to common assault and resisting arrest for attacking civil celebrant Paul Maull during the funeral of his son, Cole Worthy, on 9 September at Teesside Crematorium in Middlesbrough. The warrant was granted by Deputy District Judge Julia Baggs, who ordered that the arrest be “not backed by bail,” meaning Worthy will be taken into custody once located.
Background & Context
On 22 August, a Volkswagen Passat carrying Cole Worthy, 17, and four other passengers collided head-on with a marked Cleveland Police response vehicle travelling the wrong way on the A66 near South Bank. The crash killed seven people: the five vehicle occupants—including Cole Worthy, Jakub Matusiak, Makai Saddington, Michael Cahill and Theo Rae (17)—and two police officers, PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough. The tragedy prompted a series of investigations and court proceedings, including separate charges against Worthy for stealing four bottles of wine valued at £30 from a shop on 8 October.
Timeline
- 22 August (occurred): A66 crash kills seven, including Cole Worthy.
- 9 September (occurred): Gye Worthy assaults celebrant during Cole’s funeral; admits common assault and resisting arrest.
- 8 October (deadline): Worthy scheduled for sentencing on the wine-theft offence.
- 27 October (occurred): Court hearing for the funeral-assault offences; Worthy fails to appear.
- Later in October (occurred): Deputy District Judge Julia Baggs issues arrest warrant, “not backed by bail.”
Data & Statistics
- Fatalities in A66 crash: 7 (5 civilians, 2 police officers).
- Age of deceased passengers: 17–23 years.
- Value of stolen wine: £30.
- Property involved: Worthy’s semi-detached home on Ruskin Avenue, valued at approximately £200,000, was reportedly ram-raided shortly before the crash.
Official Statements & Responses
Prosecutor Adam Scott, representing the Crown, noted that Worthy had been released on bail to attend sentencing but did not appear, prompting the warrant application. The celebrant, Paul Maull, was described by media reports as “shocked and shaken” but did not sustain serious injury and declined to give a formal statement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Gye Worthy was bailed to attend this court this morning for sentence by the previous court. He has not attended therefore the application will be made for warrant not backed by bail.” — Teesside Live. Adam Scott
What’s Next
The warrant authorises police to locate and detain Worthy pending a future court date. No further sentencing date has been announced, and the court will set a new hearing once he is apprehended.