Father Sentenced to Life for Murdering 14-Year-Old Daughter in Darlington

Simon Vickers, 50, was convicted of stabbing Scarlett Vickers in the heart during what he claimed was 'play-fighting.'

Simon Vickers was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 15 years for the murder of his daughter Scarlett Vickers, aged 14.
The fatal incident occurred during what Vickers described as 'mucking about' in the kitchen, though forensic evidence indicated the knife was held and used with force.
Scarlett’s mother, Sarah Hall, supported Vickers' claim that the death was accidental, but a jury found him guilty by a 10-2 majority after 13 hours of deliberation.
The judge ruled that Vickers acted in a flash of anger, rejecting his multiple inconsistent accounts of the event, and noted his prior conviction for wounding with intent from 30 years ago.
Scarlett was remembered as a kind and popular student; her school and community mourned her loss with tributes and events in her honor.