Schoolgirl Sara Sharif endured a horrific ordeal, suffering a total of 71 injuries before her tragic death, a jury has been told. The 10-year-old’s body was found in her home in Woking, Surrey, on 10th August last year. Jurors were presented with evidence of extensive injuries on Sara’s body, including bruises, burns, probable bite marks, and other traumas identified by a forensic pathologist, Dr Nathaniel Cary.
During the trial at the Old Bailey, Dr Cary explained that Sara’s injuries, which included two traumatic brain injuries inflicted days prior to her death, indicated a pattern of “significant and repetitive blunt force trauma” likely caused by the use of an instrument. The pathologist highlighted the extensive nature of the injuries, pointing out bruising, puncture wounds, and internal injuries to the abdomen.
According to Dr Cary, Sara’s cause of death was attributed to a combination of multiple injuries and neglect. He described the injuries as “cumulative”, with no single injury singled out as the direct cause of death. The court heard that Sara may have succumbed to the traumatic brain injuries if left unattended in the days following the trauma.
Furthermore, the pathologist noted the presence of old injuries, including scarring and marks on various parts of Sara’s body, indicating a history of abuse. Sara’s father, Urfan Sharif, her stepmother, Beinash Batool, and her uncle, Faisal Malik, all deny charges of murdering Sara and causing or allowing her death.
The court was told that the defendants fled to Pakistan following Sara’s death, only to return to the UK a month later and face charges. Prosecutors allege that Sara was subjected to a prolonged campaign of abuse, which included being forced to wear homemade hoods and endure physical violence over a period of up to two years.
Dr Cary’s detailed account of Sara’s injuries, including the presence of burns, scalding, human bite marks, and other traumas, painted a harrowing picture of the young girl’s suffering. The court heard that Sara was withdrawn from school in April 2023 and subsequently passed away four months later.
As the trial continues, the prosecution asserts that all three defendants played a role in the violence inflicted upon Sara, indicating a collective responsibility for her tragic fate. The case has drawn significant media attention, shedding light on the devastating impact of child abuse and neglect.