Father Found Guilty of Murdering Daughter After Claiming Stabbing Was an Accident in Darlington

A father has been convicted of murder after his defense that his daughter’s death was a tragic accident in a kitchen play-fight was proven to be false.

Simon Vickers, 50, claimed his daughter Scarlett, 14, was killed in a “freak accident” at their Darlington, County Durham home on June 5, 2024.

He said the stabbing was accidental while they were “mucking around” during a cooking session.

But the prosecution presented evidence that showed the fatal stabbing was deliberate, with a knife wound too deep to have been caused by chance.

Details of the Fatal Incident

The incident occurred in the family’s semi-detached home on Geneva Street.

Vickers told emergency services that he and Scarlett had been playing while her mother, Sarah Hall, cooked spaghetti bolognese.

He maintained that the knife swipe that led to Scarlett’s death was unintentional.

Despite Vickers’ version of events, a forensic pathologist confirmed that the wound could only have been inflicted if the knife had been “firmly gripped,” making the accidental stabbing claim “practically impossible.”

Scarlett died of blood loss after a knife, which Vickers had allegedly swiped, pierced her chest and heart.

Her mother’s frantic 999 call recorded her voice as she tried to save her daughter, but Scarlett, despite being rushed to the hospital, could not be revived.

Vickers, who had been drinking and smoking cannabis before the incident, continued to insist that the tragedy was not intentional.

The Prosecution’s Case

The prosecution argued that Vickers’ account of events was inconsistent with the forensic evidence.

They suggested that Vickers may have been irritated by his daughter and partner after a playful incident involving grapes.

Mark McKone, the prosecution attorney, stated that Vickers’ actions had gone beyond innocent play, and he should have realized the risk of serious harm in the small kitchen.

They also rejected the idea that Vickers simply “swiped” a knife by accident.

Defense’s Claim of an Accident

Vickers’ defense team painted Scarlett’s death as an unfortunate accident that occurred while the family was enjoying a regular evening together.

His defense attorney, Nicholas Lumley, argued that Scarlett’s death was a result of a tragic accident with no malicious intent behind it.

Lumley emphasized that Vickers had no desire to harm his daughter and expressed remorse for the pain he would carry for the rest of his life.

Impact on the Family and the Community

Scarlett’s death shocked her community, and her school headteacher described her as a “lovely, respectful and polite” girl.

She was well-liked and popular among her peers, with a great sense of humor.

The local community and her friends will deeply miss her presence.

The Crown Prosecution Service acknowledged the complexity of the case and expressed their sympathy for the family’s ongoing grief.

“Our thoughts remain with her family, for whom this must remain a difficult time,” said Senior Crown Prosecutor Anna Barker.

Conviction and Sentencing

The jury at Teesside Crown Court found Simon Vickers guilty of murder, agreeing that the fatal wound could not have been inflicted accidentally.

Vickers is set to be sentenced on February 10, 2025, and will face life imprisonment for his actions.

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