Father on Trial for Daughter’s Death Claims Fatal Stabbing Was Accidental

Simon Vickers denies murder and manslaughter charges, asserting the fatal wound occurred during playful interaction, while expert testimony casts doubt on his account.

Simon Vickers, 50, is on trial for the July 2024 death of his 14-year-old daughter, Scarlett, who suffered a fatal 11cm chest wound at their home in Darlington, UK.
Vickers claims the incident was a 'freak accident' during a playfight in the kitchen, asserting he unintentionally threw a knife while aiming for tongs.
The prosecution argues the wound was too deep to have been accidental, with a forensic pathologist testifying the knife was likely held firmly when it struck Scarlett.
Vickers admitted to drinking three to four glasses of wine and smoking a cannabis joint earlier that day, which could affect the credibility of his account.
Scarlett’s mother, Sarah Hall, testified in support of Vickers, describing him as a loving father and maintaining that she believes the incident was accidental.