The trial of a man accused of murdering his teenage daughter will now be heard early next year.

Simon Vickers was arrested after his daughter, Scarlett, suffered a fatal stab wound to the chest in their Darlington home.

The 14-year-old died despite efforts to save her by paramedics who carried out open chest surgery on her kitchen floor.

The teenager’s mother, Sarah Hall, had all charges against her dropped earlier this month during a shorting hearing at Teesside Crown Court.

Scarlett VickersScarlett Vickers (Image: Durham Constabulary)

Vickers, 50, of Geneva Road, Darlington, had earlier pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and manslaughter.

He was due to go on trial in October but the date has now been moved to January next year to ensure that a High Court Judge is available to hear the case.

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The court heard yesterday (Friday, August 30) how a bail application was expected to be made next week for Vickers and he was remanded in custody in the meantime.

Tributes to Scarlett Vickers at Haughton AcademyTributes to Scarlett Vickers at Haughton Academy (Image: IAN LAMMING)

An inquest into Scarlett’s death has been opened and adjourned pending further investigation following her death on July 5.

Following her death, Scarlett’s school Haughton Academy paid tribute to her - with the principal of the secondary school describing her as a "lovely girl" who was always friendly and popular.

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

The murder trial of the Darlington father has been listed to start on January 14 next year.