The friend of a Labour politician who was found hanged just days after groping claims told mourners at his funeral: ‘If only everyone had shown him the same kindness he showed others.’
Mr Sargeant, 49, was found dead at his home in Connah’s Quay, North Wales, on November 7, four days after being removed from his role as cabinet secretary for communities and children.
On Friday, friends, family and colleagues gathered at St Mark’s Church in Connah’s Quay for his funeral at midday.
His son Jack comforted his mother Bernie as they led mourners which included the Labour leader and his wife Laura Alvarez.
In a eulogy, Mr Sargeant’s friend, Daran Hill, praised his kindness and said: ‘If only everyone had shown him the same kindness he showed others.’
Carl Sargeant’s wife Bernie was comforted by her son Jack (pictured) at her husband’s funeral today
Friends and family members wore colourful shirts as they carried Mr Sargeant’s coffin on Friday
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (right) arrived at the funeral with his wife Laura Alvarez (left)
Mr Corbyn (left) arrived to pay his respects after Mr Sargeant (right) was found dead just four days after his suspension over groping claims
Mr Hill added: ‘The one solitary good thing that has come out of the last horrible month is the deepening of friendships and the starting of new ones.
‘People who have been drawn together to find love and strength from each other in the time of deepest grief, despair and anger.
‘Our collective love and respect for Carl has shown us at our best. There are others not in this room who have not been shown in that way.
‘The questions they will have to answer – and it is a ‘they’ – are for another time and another place.’
Bernie and her children Lucy and Jack wore bright colours when they paid tribute to Mr Sargeant.
Friends and family carried his coffin which was draped in a Newcastle United shirt as Michael Buble’s song Home was being played.
Mr Sargeant’s dog was also at the service and the congregation sang hymns Lord Of The Dance and Sing Hosanna.
Ukip AM Neil Hamilton and Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami were among the mourners.
First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones did not attend the service at the request of Mr Sargeant’s family.
Mr Jones has faced calls to quit since Mr Sargeant’s death, with claims he failed to tackle a bullying culture in his office in the lead-up to the scandal.
Announcing that he and his wife will stay away, he said: ‘Lisa and I would have liked to attend the funeral on Friday to pay our respects to our friend.
‘However, we of course respect the wishes of the family at this time, and would hope they can celebrate Carl’s life in peace and without distraction.
At the end of the service, mourners were asked to join in with Mr Sargeant’s favourite karaoke song, Dirty Old Town by The Pogues.
The funeral was due to be followed by karaoke in the Connah’s Quay Labour Club.
The church was full for the service with mourners, who were asked to wear brightly coloured clothes, also gathering outside.
Those attending were given white ribbons to wear as part of a campaign to end domestic violence against women, which was supported by Mr Sargeant.
The order of service described the funeral as a ‘service to celebrate the life of Carl Sargeant’ and included the phrase ‘laugh, sing, dance and go on’.
Mr Sargeant, 48, pictured with his wife Bernie, 48, and children Jack, 23, and Lucy, 25
Owen Smith (left) and Neil Hamilton (right) arrived at the funeral of Mr Sargeant this morning
Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones (left) did not attend the funeral. David Hanson (right) was seen arriving on Friday morning
Mr Sargeant was found dead at his home in north Wales after he was suspended by the party
Mr Tami said: ‘It’s been very difficult for everyone. The number of people here shows what Carl meant and what he did.’
Mr Sargeant’s son, Jack, had said the service would be a ‘celebration’ of his father’s life.
He said: ‘Everyone who knew Dad will understand he wouldn’t want it any other way.
‘He was never one for pomp. He was never one for ‘airs and graces’. That was never his style.
‘So we ask that there be no formal suits nor black worn on this day of celebration.
‘We want people to wear something that makes them feel happy and to come and remember Dad as he was – kind, generous and the life and soul of the party.’