Family of dad jailed for daughter's murder: We stand by him...

Mother of Scarlett, 14, is backing her child's killer. Father is sentenced to life over fatal kitchen blow

- JEREMY ARMSTRONG

A FATHER jailed for life yesterday for murdering his daughter is being supported by her mother in his appeal against his conviction.

Factory worker Simon Vickers, 50, was said to have struck the killer knife blow in a fit of anger at Scarlett Vickers, 14, after she called him a "wimp".

Vickers must serve a minimum of 15 years after stabbing his only child in the heart, causing fatal injuries.

He had given various versions of how it happened, including throwing the blade accidentally in a play fight.

But a jury found him guilty of murder after an expert said it was practically impossible to cause the fatal injury in the way in which he claimed.

Police and paramedics told of Vickers being heavily intoxicated with slurred speech, after drinking wine and smoking cannabis as he watched football.