A father who claimed he accidentally stabbed his daughter in the heart while they were playing in the kitchen has a history of serious violence, it has now emerged.
Simon Vickers, 50, told police he must be “the unluckiest man in the world” after being arrested for fatally knifing his 14-year-old daughter, Scarlett Vickers, at their home in Darlington on July 5 last year.
He provided multiple, increasingly implausible explanations for the single fatal wound. Among them was a claim that he unknowingly picked up the knife with a pair of tongs while they were playfully throwing utensils at each other, as well as a suggestion that Scarlett may have accidentally walked into the blade as it protruded over the side of the counter.
The only other witness in the room, Scarlett’s mother, Sarah Hall, supported Vickers. However, forensic experts determined that the wound could only have been inflicted intentionally, leading to his conviction for murder at Teesside Crown Court yesterday.
Tributes to stabbing victim Scarlett Vickers
Scarlett tragically lost her life at her home in Darlington after a single knife wound to the chest.
The 14-year-old was a cherished Year 9 student at Haughton Academy, where she was known for her kindness and bright personality.
Following her passing, classmates gathered in a local park to honor her memory, releasing balloons into the sky as a tribute.
Her friend Charley remembered her as someone who was “always kind to everyone” and did not deserve such a fate.
A statement from Haughton Academy described Scarlett as “always impeccably presented, respectful, and polite. A friendly girl with a wonderful sense of humor, she was well-loved by her peers and will be deeply missed by everyone at the school.”
The Education Village Academy Trust expressed their heartbreak over the tragedy, extending their thoughts to all those affected. They also assured that support was being provided to students and staff during this difficult time.
Source : METRO
