A Darlington father awaiting trial for the murder of his daughter has failed in his plea for bail when a judge refused his application.

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.

Vickers, 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.

Scarlett VickersScarlett Vickers (Image: Durham Constabulary)

The 50-year-old's application for bail until the date of his trial was refused by Judge Francis Laird KC during a hearing at Teesside Crown Court.

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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.