February 10th 2025.
The tragic death of 14-year-old Scarlett Vickers left her family, friends, and community in shock. Floral tributes were left outside her home as a way to mourn her passing and remember the vibrant young girl she was. But behind the tributes and the grief, a heartbreaking truth emerged: Scarlett's own father, Simon Vickers, had taken her life.
Last July, while play fighting in the kitchen, Vickers stabbed his daughter through the chest with a knife. Sarah Hall, Scarlett's mother, was also present, but she stood by Vickers, her partner of 27 years, insisting that he would never harm their only child. However, after a majority jury of 10-2 found him guilty of murder last month, Vickers was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 15 years.
Despite the conviction, Ms. Hall and Vickers' parents continue to support him, believing his claims that Scarlett's death was an accident. Throughout the trial, Vickers gave three different accounts of what happened in the moments leading up to the fatal stabbing, but none of them could explain away the tragedy.
Scarlett was just 14 years old when she died in her own home. She was a beloved student at Haughton Academy, where she was described as always being kind, respectful, and immaculately dressed. Her classmates honored her memory with a balloon release at the park, and her friend Charley spoke fondly of her as someone who was always nice to everyone.
The school's statement expressed their shock and sadness at the news, and they offered their support to everyone affected by the tragedy. Scarlett's death has left a lasting impact on those who knew her, and her loved ones are now serving a life sentence of grief and loss.
On November 25, 2024, Metro launched a year-long campaign called "This Is Not Right" to address the epidemic of violence against women. With the help of Women's Aid, the campaign aims to empower and engage readers on this important issue. Throughout the year, Metro will share stories that shed light on the scale of the problem and encourage readers to speak out against it.
The sentencing of Simon Vickers serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of violence against women. In his final speech, the prosecuting attorney acknowledged that Vickers loved his daughter, but the evidence showed that her death could not have been an accident. The Home Office pathologist's testimony proved that the knife wound was too deep and precise to have been caused by a mere accident or playful gesture.
As the truth behind Scarlett's death was revealed, Vickers' history of violence also came to light. In 1993, he was found guilty of wounding with intent and served two years for slashing a man's face with a knife. Despite his previous violent act, no one could have predicted the tragic end to Scarlett's life.
The Agency continues to follow the latest updates on this case and others like it. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for our daily push alerts to stay informed. Let us all work together to bring an end to violence against women.
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