Simon Vickers

5th July 2024, Scarlet Vickers lived with her mum and dad, in Geneva Road, Darlington. On this particular evening the family were in the kitchen making dinner. Father and daughter were allegedly throwing utensils at each other in a playful way, when a tragic accident occurred. Vickers claimed a knife pierced Scarlet's chest by accident.

Ms Sarah Hall, Scarlet's mother, made a 999 call where she said the family were plaing around in the kitchen, and a knife was accidentely thrown.

Scarlet was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services shortly before midnight.

Ms Sarah Hall, Scarlet's mother has stood by Vicklers, confirming it was an accident.

14th January 2025, trial starts at Teeside Crown Court.

Simon Vickers, denied murder and manslaughter and said her death was a "tragic accident" while the two were "mucking about" and throwing utensils.

A pathologist told jurors the approximate 4in (11cm)-deep wound would have required only mild force from a knife being held, but with a firm grip.

Forensic pathologist Dr. Bolton, said kitchen knives were not designed to be thrown and the 8in (20cm)-long blade would have had to strike at a 90-degree angle to pass through Scarlett's pyjama top and into her chest, otherwise it would have bounced off.
Instead Dr Bolton concluded the knife was being held "tightly" with a firm grip when it injured Scarlett.
Dr Bolton said the knife passed between two ribs and pierced through a lung into her heart causing major blood loss and would have required only mild force to penetrate so deep.

10th February 2025, sentencing at Teeside Crown Court. the judge Mr Justice Cotter, sentenced Vickers to life with a minimum term of 15-years behind bars.