Father Convicted of Murdering 14-Year-Old Daughter During Kitchen Incident

A 50-year-old father has been found guilty of murdering his 14-year-old daughter at their home in Darlington, County Durham. Simon Vickers claimed his daughter, Scarlett, died in a tragic accident during a “playfight” in the kitchen, insisting he accidentally stabbed her with a knife.

The prosecution argued that the 11cm deep chest wound, which pierced Scarlett’s heart, was deliberately inflicted. Scarlett died from rapid blood loss on June 5th of last year.

A jury at Teesside Crown Court convicted Vickers of murder. He faces life imprisonment and will be sentenced on February 10th.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated that Vickers’ account was inconsistent with the evidence, arguing the wound could only have been caused if the knife was “firmly gripped.”

Emergency services were called to the family’s home on Geneva Street shortly before 11 pm on June 5th. Paramedics found Scarlett bleeding on the kitchen floor, but were unable to save her.

Vickers told police they had been “just mucking around” while his partner, Sarah Hall, cooked dinner. He claimed they were throwing objects at each other. Vickers, who worked at a manufacturing plant, maintained throughout the trial that he did not intentionally pick up a knife but accepted he must have caused the fatal injury. He reportedly told police upon his arrest, “I must be the unluckiest man in the world.”

A forensic pathologist testified that an accidental stabbing was “practically impossible,” stating the knife must have been “held firmly” to penetrate Scarlett’s clothing and chest.

The prosecution did not suggest a motive but argued that Vickers “must have been lying” to police.

Hours before her death, Scarlett posted a final TikTok video of herself in her bedroom.

Vickers, who admitted to consuming alcohol and cannabis before the incident, denied deliberately harming his daughter. He claimed the family was in a “happy” mood and looking forward to a holiday. He offered a “theory” that Scarlett may have accidentally fallen onto the knife after it hit the hotplate and protruded over the counter.

He stated, “Why would I harm my daughter? If someone held a gun to my head and told me to stab my daughter, I would be shot.”

In a 999 call, Scarlett’s mother told the operator, “We were messing about, having a fun-fight. My partner threw something and he didn’t realize.” She described her daughter as losing blood and going in and out of consciousness. Vickers could be heard in the background, distressed and calling out to Scarlett.

The prosecution argued that Vickers could not have accidentally thrown or swiped a knife into her chest, suggesting he may have been “irritated” with Scarlett after she and her mother were throwing grapes.

The defense argued that Scarlett’s death was a “tragic accident” and that Vickers had no intention of harming her. They emphasized that she was their only child and that the family had been enjoying a normal evening.

Scarlett’s death prompted an outpouring of grief. Her headteacher described her as a “lovely, respectful, and polite girl” who was popular and will be missed by everyone at school.

Anna Barker, Senior Crown Prosecutor, stated that Vickers’ account was “wholly inconsistent” with the forensic evidence. She confirmed that expert analysis indicated the wound could only have been caused by a firmly gripped knife. She also expressed condolences to Scarlett’s family.