Sara Sharif showed signs of severe malnutrition and had suffered a broken bone in her neck weeks before her tragic death, a jury was informed. The trial at the Old Bailey revealed distressing details of the 10-year-old’s condition before she passed away last August, including evidence that she may have been strangled leading to the fracture in her neck.
According to a pathologist, Sara exhibited indications of starvation or the rapid deprivation of food, as an unusual sign was discovered in her bone marrow. The young girl had endured a series of injuries, such as burns, broken bones, and extensive bruising, suggesting a sustained period of abuse. Her father, Urfan Sharif, along with her stepmother, Beinash Batool, and her uncle, Faisal Malik, are facing trial for her murder.
Bone specialist Professor Anthony Freemont presented X-ray images in court showing fractures in Sara’s hand and the hyoid bone in her neck. He stated that the neck injury, likely from strangulation, had occurred between six to 12 weeks prior to her death. Additionally, he highlighted fractures in her fingers, indicating possible non-accidental injuries due to pulling apart.
The examination further revealed a gelatinous transformation in Sara’s bone marrow, often associated with starvation or rapid malnutrition. Other medical findings included over 70 injuries, a traumatic brain injury, bruises on her lungs, human bite marks, burns from an iron, and scalding from hot water. Traces of her blood were found in various locations in her home, along with homemade restraints used to confine her.
Sara’s body was discovered in a bunk bed by the police following a distressing call from Sharif in Pakistan, admitting to excessive force against her. It was alleged that the defendants attempted to flee the country shortly after Sara’s death, which occurred two days before their reported actions. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges of murder and causing or allowing the death of a child.
The harrowing details emerging from the trial shed light on the severe abuse Sara endured before her untimely passing. The court proceedings continue as the prosecution presents further evidence.
The tragic case of Sara Sharif serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals and holding perpetrators of abuse accountable for their actions. May justice prevail for Sara as her story continues to unfold in the courtroom.