Poppi Worthington inquest: Father accused of sexual assault on toddler smuggled into court by police

Paul Worthington has been living in hiding since January 2016

Poppi Worthington died suddenly in the early hours of 12 December 2012 (PA)

A man who a judge ruled had probably sexually assaulted his 13-month-old daughter before her death has been smuggled into court with a police escort ahead of him giving evidence at her inquest.

Paul Worthington scurried in through the back door of County Hall in Kendal, shielded by police officers and pursued by press photographers and reporters.

The 49-year-old is due to appear as the main witness in the second inquest into the death of Poppi, who collapsed suddenly at her Barrow-in-Furness home on 12 December 2012.

Staff at the court also taped paper over the windows of the building to stop anyone seeing in.

Mr Worthington has been in hiding since January 2016 when family court judge Mr Justice Peter Jackson, now Lord Justice Peter Jackson, made public his conclusion that he probably sexually assaulted his toddler daughter before her collapse.

He said Poppi's “significant bleeding” within 15 minutes of the 999 call made from the family home could only be sensibly explained as the result of penetrative trauma.

A police investigation launched after Poppi's death was botched by Cumbria Police, with vital evidence discarded and witnesses not interviewed until months later.

Mr Worthington strenuously denies any wrongdoing and has never been charged with any offence.

The second inquest was ordered after the controversial first hearing, held by a different coroner, was shrouded in secrecy and lasted just seven minutes.

The current hearing was expected to begin with legal argument between lawyers for the press and lawyers for Mr Worthington over whether he will give evidence from behind a screen.

PA