Scarlett Vickers’ family seeks to overturn her dad’s conviction, attempting to prove his innocence via crime scene recreation.
Vickers gave different stories about what happened, claiming he accidentally threw the knife during a play fight in their Darlington kitchen. The incident occurred last July.
Scarlett’s mom, Sarah Hall, supports Vickers, as do his parents, Barrie and Pat. Other family members also believe in his innocence and are trying to prove it, according to reports.
Sarah’s sister, Rebecca Hall, is piecing things together by recreating the incident at her own home. She is looking at how the knife could have moved and wants to understand the events leading to Scarlett’s death. Rebecca looked at the biology of the injury, noting the tissue was very soft where the knife went in.
She thinks enough force could have reached the heart and considered various scenarios to explain what happened. Rebecca thinks Scarlett might have leaned into the knife, or Simon could have swiped it along the surface.
Perhaps Scarlett darted towards it, and if her head was down, the knife could have hit her ribs. Rebecca believes there was no aggression present; she thinks they were messing around.
Scarlett didn’t say her dad had a knife or that he would hurt her, leading Rebecca to feel she would have said something. A jury found Vickers guilty of murder, as an expert deemed his explanation improbable. The expert did not think the injury could occur as he described, and the trial occurred at Teesside Crown Court.
Sarah Hall playfully pinched Vickers with tongs just before the stabbing. He said “ow,” and Scarlett called him a wimp. Sarah turned away, then turned back to see Scarlett wounded.
Scarlett had a knife wound to her heart, and blood was pouring from her body. The judge believed Vickers acted in anger and intended to cause serious harm, though he felt he did not intend to kill.
Judge Cotter said Sarah heard Simon say “how would you like it?” Scarlett then said “Ow Ow”. Sarah turned to see her daughter injured. The judge said Vickers removed the knife, but Sarah didn’t see it in her.
The knife was on the kitchen surface, as noted by paramedics later. Sarah cried in court, and Simon’s mom Pat comforted her. The prosecutor described Scarlett’s injuries, and Vickers’ prior conviction was revealed.
In 1993, he was convicted of wounding with intent, using a Stanley knife and received a two-year prison sentence. He also had a minor dishonesty conviction in 1999, but the judge didn’t consider these in sentencing.
Vickers’ lawyer, Nicholas Lumley, spoke about Sarah’s loss, emphasizing that both parents face a lifetime of grief. Simon accepts his actions caused his daughter’s death, but Sarah believes Simon didn’t intend harm, and his parents agree.
Neighbors said Sarah had not been seen lately and call it a tragedy. The street is trying to move on, acknowledging it is terrible for Scarlett’s parents and families. Sarah Hall supports Simon Vickers.
Detective Superintendent Craig Rudd led the investigation, stating Scarlett would be alive today if it weren’t for Vickers’ actions. He stated this case was heartbreaking for everyone, and the police’s thoughts are with Scarlett’s loved ones.
Christopher Atkinson of the CPS spoke, saying it’s hard to understand Vickers’ actions and they may never understand the tragic death. Vickers’ account was inconsistent with evidence.
A medical expert examined Scarlett’s injuries, stating the knife must have been gripped firmly for the injuries to occur. The CPS recognizes the family’s pain and express their condolences to Scarlett’s family.