Sarah Hall feels imprisoned after daughter Scarlett’s death. Partner Simon Vickers convicted of murder in County Durham.
The tragic incident unfolded in their County Durham home, where 14-year-old Scarlett lost her life. Vickers claimed it was a devastating accident during a family meal, stating that they were simply “mucking around.” He explained that he accidentally threw the knife and only realized the gravity of the situation when he saw Scarlett bleeding.
Prosecutors, however, challenged Vickers’ account, arguing that the wound was far too deep to have been caused by accident. They asserted that the knife must have been held firmly to inflict such an injury. Sarah, throughout the trial, stood by Vickers.
Despite Sarah’s support, the judge acknowledged that everyone involved now faces a life sentence, forever marked by the tragedy. Even so, Sarah continues to believe Vickers did not intend any harm. Records show Vickers had a violent past, including a 1993 conviction for wounding after slashing a man’s face with a knife, along with six prior convictions in total.
Before the incident, Vickers admitted to drinking and smoking. He vehemently denied intentionally hurting Scarlett, maintaining it was a “freak accident.” In court Sarah testified, supporting Vickers and describing their family life as very happy. She depicted him as a very hands-on dad, stating she wouldn’t be with him if she believed he murdered Scarlett.
Sarah recounted the night of Scarlett’s death, recalling that they were discussing holiday plans and playfully throwing grapes at each other before she turned to serve pasta. She then heard the commotion, saw Scarlett bleeding, and never once considered that Vickers would intentionally harm her, insisting it was an accident, and she suspected no malice.
Vickers provided his version of events, claiming he was playing with Scarlett’s hair when she pushed him toward the kitchen worktop. He said he swiped at the tongs, which then flew off. He then described attempting to grab these tongs; however, Scarlett cried out and was bleeding from her pink pajama top. He stated he tried to help while Sarah called for help.
Upon arrival, officers found Scarlett collapsed. While Vickers claimed the knife was thrown accidentally, an expert testified that the wound type suggested it was held. Significantly, his original story also evolved during questioning. Prosecutors thus argued he had deliberately stabbed her, and the injury was simply too deep to occur from an accidental event. A pathologist stated a thrown knife couldn’t cause such a wound.
The pathologist added that the knife needed a firm grip to penetrate 11cm at an exact 90 degree angle. Despite the evidence presented, Scarlett’s grandfather defended Vickers, asserting that he would never intentionally hurt her, describing Scarlett as Vickers’ life and deeming the incident an accident. Heartbroken, Sarah continues to stand by him.