The parents of a 14-year-old girl have appeared in court accused of murdering her in their home as her mother was reportedly seen shaking in the dock.
Scarlett Vickers suffered a single stab wound to the chest in the incident at their semi in Darlington, County Durham. Her father Simon Vickers, 49, and mother Sarah Hall, 44, appeared before a judge on Monday, July 8, charged with murder and were remanded in custody until August 5.
Hall was described as being "absolutely distraught" by her solicitor. The court heard police and paramedics were called to their address just after 11pm on Friday. Scarlett was pronounced dead at the scene. The parents spoke only in court to confirm their names and dates of birth.
Sarah Kemp, prosecuting, at Newton Aycliffe magistrates court, Co Durham, said: "There was an incident at the home address in Darlington resulting in the fatal stabbing of Scarlett, the 14-year-old daughter of both defendants. She suffered a single knife wound to the chest resulting in her death. This is not a matter that can be dealt with here and I ask the case be sent to the crown court."
Both defendants were dressed in grey police-issue sweatshirts and pants and Hall shook and through the five minute hearing. They were not asked to enter pleas with District Judge Hood remanding them in custody until their next hearing. Her solicitor Georgia Snowden told the court: "There is a dispute over the facts of the case. My client is absolutely distraught."
Amrit Jandoo, for Vickers, said that he disputed facts likely to be presented by the prosecution when the case next comes to court. District Judge Steven Hudd told Vickers and Hall: "The offence of murder is one which can only be heard at crown court. I am sending your case to Teesside Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing on August 5." He said if either defendant wished to make a bail application they would be able to do so on Wednesday but both were remanded into custody in the meantime.
Neighbours in Geneva Road, Darlington, spoke of their 'utter shock' at Scarlett's death. One resident who did not want to be named, described the young girl as a "canny lass". They said: "It’s absolutely awful. I just read about it. We used to see her going up and down the street but we never talked. The other week our son and her were catching a loose dog on Yarm Road and he said she was a canny lass." Another resident said: "It's horribly shocking, just awful. They kept themselves to themselves as a family. I don't know anything more."
Det Supt Craig Rudd, Senior Investigating Officer, 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."
Floral tributes were placed outside the house, some by teenage girls who were school friends of Scarlett's. One message read: "To Scarlett. Rest easy sweet girl, we all love and miss you. Sleep well from Demi and Lexi." A neighbour said: "It's hard to take in because they are such a normal family... The first anyone knew was when the police cars and ambulance arrived."
Another neighbour had spoken with Sarah earlier on Friday. She added: "It was the most normal conversation you could imagine, we were talking about shopping. I used to see their daughter playing in the garden, they've always seemed like a completely normal, pleasant family. It's such a shock that a young girl's life has been lost in that way. It's incredibly sad and I think most of us who live nearby are struggling to get it out of our heads. It's been an utter shock."
Jack James, deputy member of Darlington Youth Parliament, said: "Saddened to hear about the death of Scarlett Vickers. From what I have seen from many young people in the town I can tell that she was a wonderful girl who was looked up to very much by her friends. I send my deepest wishes to all affected by the death of Scarlett." And Shaney Pattison posted a tribute online, writing: "RIP Scarlett, such a cruel world we live in. You will be missed."