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Poppi Worthington inquest: Toddler 'was sexually abused' | Poppi Worthington inquest: Toddler 'was sexually abused' |
(35 minutes later) | |
Toddler Poppi Worthington was sexually abused by her father before she died, a coroner has ruled, finding her death was caused by asphyxia. | Toddler Poppi Worthington was sexually abused by her father before she died, a coroner has ruled, finding her death was caused by asphyxia. |
Coroner David Roberts said Paul Worthington assaulted his daughter in his bed, laid a cover over her and went to sleep. | |
He said she died because her ability to breathe was compromised as a result of "an unsafe sleeping environment." | He said she died because her ability to breathe was compromised as a result of "an unsafe sleeping environment." |
Mr Roberts said her father's account of events did not "stand up to scrutiny". | |
Latest updates as the coroner delivers his inquest findings | |
During the three-week inquest at Kendal Coroner's Court, Poppi's father declined to answer 252 questions relating to the circumstances surrounding her death on 12 December 2012. | |
However, Mr Worthington did tell the hearing he had gone to get Poppi to get a fresh nappy and said a few minutes later he reached over and found her limp. | |
He said he then rushed downstairs and Poppi's mother, who was asleep there, called an ambulance. | |
The 13-month-old was pronounced dead at Furness General Hospital shortly after. | |
Mr Roberts said a conclusion of unlawful killing was not available to him as he was not satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Poppi died from an act of murder or manslaughter. | |
He added Poppi was suffering from an upper respiratory tract infection which, along with being placed in her father's bed, compromised her ability to breathe. | |
In January 2016 - as part of family court proceedings involving Poppi's siblings - a judge revealed his findings that Mr Worthington "probably" sexually assaulted his daughter shortly before her death. | In January 2016 - as part of family court proceedings involving Poppi's siblings - a judge revealed his findings that Mr Worthington "probably" sexually assaulted his daughter shortly before her death. |
Mr Worthington has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged with any offence, with the Crown Prosecution Service saying there is insufficient evidence. | Mr Worthington has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged with any offence, with the Crown Prosecution Service saying there is insufficient evidence. |