Simon Vickers, 50, has been convicted of murdering his 14-year-old daughter, Scarlett Vickers, in their Darlington home. Vickers claimed the fatal stabbing occurred accidentally during a kitchen “play-fight,” but the jury at Teesside Crown Court rejected his explanation.
Incident Details
On July 5, 2024, emergency services were called to the family’s residence on Geneva Road, where they found Scarlett with an 11cm-deep stab wound to her chest. Despite paramedics’ efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Vickers told authorities that he and Scarlett had been “mucking about,” involving throwing grapes and using kitchen utensils playfully, when he accidentally stabbed her.
Prosecution’s Case
The prosecution argued that the depth and nature of the wound indicated it was inflicted deliberately. A forensic pathologist testified that the injury could not have resulted from a thrown knife, as Vickers claimed, but required the blade to be firmly held. The jury deliberated for over 13 hours before delivering a majority verdict of guilty.
Defense’s Argument
Vickers maintained that the stabbing was a “freak accident” during innocent horseplay. His partner and Scarlett’s mother, Sarah Hall, supported his account, stating that Vickers loved their daughter and would never intentionally harm her. The defense emphasized the absence of motive and described the event as a tragic accident.
Sentencing and Reactions
Simon Vickers is scheduled to be sentenced on February 10. Detective Superintendent Craig Rudd of Durham Police commented, “Scarlett had her whole life ahead of her, yet it was cruelly cut short by her own father—a man who was meant to protect her.” He added that while the verdict cannot bring Scarlett back, it ensures Vickers faces the consequences of his actions.
