An arrest warrant has been issued for Gye Worthy, 40, who attacked a celebrant at the funeral of his son, one of seven killed in a head-on collision on the A66. Worthy admitted common assault and resisting arrest at the service held on September 9.
Worthy's son, Cole Worthy, 17, died on August 22 when the car he was in collided with a police vehicle. The crash also claimed the lives of four other individuals and two police officers. Cole Worthy's funeral was held on the same day as that of PC Matthew Blades, 37, one of the officers killed in the incident.
On Tuesday, Worthy failed to appear for his sentencing at Teesside Crown Court. Prosecutors stated he had not contacted his legal representatives and offered no explanation for his absence. Deputy District Judge Julia Baggs granted the prosecution's request for a warrant not backed by bail, meaning Worthy will be held in custody once located, pending a future court date.
Worthy, of Ruskin Avenue, Middlesbrough, was also due to be sentenced for stealing four bottles of wine valued at £30 on October 8.