Simon Vickers was said to have struck the killer knife blow in a fit of anger at Scarlett Vickers, 14, after she called him a 'wimp'.
Nicholas Lumley KC, for Vickers, said that he and Scarlett’s mum’s Sarah Hall were serving life sentences 'from which they will never be freed' due to their loss.
Speaking after Vickers was sentenced, Det Supt Craig Rudd, who led the investigation for Durham Constabulary, said: “Had he not picked up that knife, Scarlett would still be alive today.
Teesside crown court heard Scarlett's mum Sarah Hall had pinched Vickers on the bottom with kitchen tongs moments before the fatal blow was struck.
"If it was quick when Scarlett was going towards the knife as Simon swiped it and the tongs then it is possible that could have caused the injury.
