First picture of girl, 14, stabbed to death as mum and dad charged with murder

 

Tuesday, July 09, 2024 - A 14-year-old girl who was killed with a single stab wound to the chest has been pictured as tributes poured in.

Scarlett Vickers was found d3ad at a property in Geneva Road, Darlington on Friday, July 5.

Her parents, Simon Vickers, 48, and Sarah Hall, 44, have been charged with her murd3r. The pair made a short appearance at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Monday, July 8.

Su Gill, the Principal of Haughton Academy where Scarlett was a pupil, said: "Scarlett was a lovely girl with a great sense of humour. She was always immaculately turned out, respectful and polite.

"A very friendly girl, she was popular with her friends and will be greatly missed by the school community.

"The staff and students at Haughton Academy and the Education Village Academy Trust are extremely saddened by the news and would like to pass on our thoughts to everyone affected by this tragedy.

“The Trust is working hard to support pupils and staff through this very difficult time.”

Both of Scarlett’s parents were remanded in custody to appear at Teesside Crown Court on July 10, a court official said.

A neighbour said: “Scarlett was full of life and she was always out with her friends like a normal 14-year-old girl.”

One friend wrote online: “Horrible world we live in, she was such a good friend to everyone and made me laugh all the time.”

Georgia Snowdon, representing Hall, said no representations would be made at the hearing but said her client was “absolutely distraught”.

After the charges were announced, senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Craig Rudd, of Durham Police, said: "This incident has resulted in the tragic death of a young girl, and our thoughts are with her family and friends.

“I would like to thank the local community for their patience and co-operation while investigative work is still being carried out at the scene, and to reassure residents that we believe this to be an isolated incident.”

Emergency services rushed to the scene just after 11pm but despite their efforts, Scarlett could not be saved.

Sarah Kemp, prosecuting, said: "This incident occured at the back end of last week which brings these two defendants before you.

“There was an incident within their home address which resulted in the fatal stabbing of Scarlett, the 14-year-old daughter of both defendants.”

Ms Kemp said the single wound penetrated Scarlett’s chest.

Judge Hood said: “The offender of murder is one that can only be heard at Crown Court.

“I’m adjourning your case to Teesside Crown Court where the plea and further case management hearing will take place on the 5th of August at 10am.

“In the meantime you will both be remanded in custody.”