The mum and dad of a 14-year-old girl who was allegedly stabbed have appeared in court after being charged with her murder.
Simon Vickers, 48, and Sarah Hall, 44, of Geneva Road, Darlington, have been accused of murdering their daughter Scarlett Vickers on Friday.
The pair made a short appearance at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
The teenager suffered a single stab wound.
Both parents were remanded in custody to appear at Teesside Crown Court on July 10, a court official said.
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.”
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