Father on Trial for Fatal Stabbing of Teenage Daughter During Alleged Kitchen Play-Fight

Simon Vickers denies murder and manslaughter charges, claiming the incident was an accident during a family dinner preparation in July 2024.

Simon Vickers, 50, is accused of fatally stabbing his 14-year-old daughter, Scarlett, during what he claims was a playful kitchen interaction at their Darlington home.
The prosecution argues that Scarlett's 11cm chest wound, which pierced her heart, could not have been caused accidentally, citing forensic evidence of a stabbing motion.
Vickers and Scarlett's mother, Sarah Hall, told police they had been drinking wine and 'messing around' while cooking, with objects like grapes and utensils being thrown.
Vickers claims he unintentionally picked up a knife instead of a spatula, while the prosecution asserts the knife was firmly in his hand when the fatal injury occurred.
The trial at Teesside Crown Court continues, with Vickers maintaining he bears moral responsibility but denies any deliberate or unlawful intent to harm his daughter.