Simon Vickers denies murdering his 14-year-old daughter Scarlett and says they were "mucking about".

Summary

Simon Vickers, 50, is on trial for the fatal stabbing of his 14-year-old daughter, Scarlett Vickers, during a kitchen play-fight at their Darlington home in July.

The court heard the family was throwing food and utensils while making dinner, and Vickers claims Scarlett accidentally impaled herself on a knife he was holding.

Prosecutors argue the wound was too deep to be accidental, alleging deliberate action.

Vickers denies murder and manslaughter, describing the incident as a tragic accident.

  • @d00eryEnglish
    10•1 day ago

    Yes, I think you’re right. Looking at the news article I’d imagine it’d be Involuntary manslaughter. , unless they can find evidence that the father had a reason to kill her.

    Manslaughter may be either voluntary or involuntary, depending on whether the accused has the required mens rea for murder.

    Involuntary manslaughter arises where the accused did not intend to cause death or serious injury but caused the death of another through recklessness or criminal negligence. For these purposes, recklessness is defined as a blatant disregard for the dangers of a particular situation..

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manslaughter_in_English_law#Involuntary_manslaughter.

    Whilst throwing a spatula at someone is unlikely to cause harm (and I’d argue, is not reckless) throwing items around or play fighting in the kitchen could be seen as risky.

    Ms Hall said she had got a kitchen knife out to cut garlic bread and Mr Vickers had inadvertently grabbed it while reaching for a spatula to throw, the court heard.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp3jnpx5z4xo