Simon Vickers was found guilty of murdering his 14-year-old daughter, Scarlett, in their Darlington home, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
Darlington: A shocking case unfolded in this tight-knit community. Simon Vickers was found guilty of murdering his 14-year-old daughter, Scarlett. The incident happened in their home on Geneva Road.
Scarlett died from a single stab wound to her heart on July 5 last year. The details of the murder remain unclear. During the trial, jurors noted a lack of motive and described the family as seemingly close.
On the night of the tragedy, Simon and Scarlett were playfully throwing grapes in the kitchen. In a moment of chaos, he accidentally stabbed her with a kitchen knife. He will be sentenced on February 10.
Scarlett was a typical teenager, a year nine student at Haughton Academy. She loved spending time with friends and was well-liked at school. After her death, the school paid tribute to her, highlighting her friendly nature and sense of humor.
Simon Vickers worked at 3M Aycliffe and had been in a long-term relationship with Scarlett’s mother, Sarah Hall. On the day of the incident, he had consumed alcohol and smoked cannabis. He described himself as a hands-on dad who loved Scarlett.
Sarah testified that their family life was happy and that they were very close. Just days before the tragedy, they had planned a trip to Gran Canaria. She insisted that Simon would never intentionally harm Scarlett.
On the night of the incident, Scarlett had been playing games in her room. When she came downstairs, the family began a playful grape fight. In the chaos, Simon accidentally grabbed a knife, leading to the fatal injury.
After the stabbing, Simon called for help as Scarlett lay bleeding. He attempted CPR until paramedics arrived. Despite their efforts, Scarlett could not be saved.
During the trial, a forensic pathologist confirmed that the stab wound was fatal. The jury ultimately found Simon guilty of murder, and he will face sentencing soon.
Detective Superintendent Craig Rudd expressed the community’s sorrow, stating that Scarlett’s life was tragically cut short by her father. The investigation team worked hard to seek justice for her.