Simon Vickers faces sentencing after being found guilty of murdering his daughter, Scarlett, in their Darlington home last July.
Scarlett’s mom, Sarah Hall, was the only other person present during the incident. Sarah, Simon’s partner of 27 years, stood by him. She told the court Simon loved Scarlett and would never hurt her.
Simon had consumed almost a whole bottle of wine and smoked cannabis before the event on July 5 last year. The prosecutors argued that this clouded his judgment.
The jurors debated for over 13 hours before reaching a guilty verdict for murder. Vickers didn’t show any feelings after this verdict, which was decided by a ten to two jury vote.
Footage showed Vickers was upset while paramedics tried to save Scarlett at their Geneva Road home in Darlington.
Vickers told police he was unlucky and that he accidentally stabbed his daughter. He insisted he grabbed the knife by mistake, claiming he meant to throw tongs at her.
Vickers claimed the knife could have been stuck and that Scarlett walked into it by accident. However, a doctor stated Vickers’ theory was incorrect, explaining that force was needed to stab her.
Sarah Hall initially faced murder charges, but they were later dropped. Vickers showed no emotion at the verdict, while family in the gallery seemed shocked. The judge ordered Vickers to remain detained until sentencing.