Father Of Poppi Worthington 'Had Death Threats'

A father who was found by a High Court judge to have sexually abused his daughter before her death has asked to appear at her inquest via video link after receiving death threats.

A lawyer representing Paul Worthington told a pre-inquest hearing on Friday there was a serious risk to his client and that it would be a breach of his human rights if he was forced to attend the hearing in person.

Earlier this year, a High Court family judge ruled that on the balance of probability Mr Worthington abused his 13-month-old daughter Poppi before her death in December 2012.

Mr Worthington's sister Tracy has told Sky News that he is in hiding in the UK in a location "at least six hours" from the family home in Barrow-in-Furness.

This month Cumbria Police apologised for failures in the investigation into the toddler's death which mean there is insufficient evidence for the CPS to bring criminal charges against Mr Worthington.

An initial inquest found Poppi's death to be unexplained. That verdict was quashed by the High Court and a new hearing ordered.

Mr Worthington was originally arrested on suspicion of sexual assault but has not been charged. He denies any wrongdoing.

Leslie Thomas QC told Cumbria Coroner David Roberts that he was "extremely concerned" about the safety of his client, Mr Worthington, referencing death threats he had received on social media.

Mr Thomas also told the court it would be unlawful for the finding of the High Court family judge to be included in the new inquest.

He added that his client was awaiting legal aid for representation at the hearing.

Poppi's mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was at the pre-inquest hearing in Carlisle.

Her lawyer, Fiona McGhie, said: "Poppi's mother has always been anxious to know exactly what happened to Poppi on the day of her death as well as to secure justice for her little girl.

"She hopes the full inquest will assist her in both endeavours."

The fresh inquest is due to begin in October in Kendal.