Sara Sharif’s father, uncle and stepmother have been found guilty of torturing the 10-year-old girl to death before fleeing the UK for Pakistan. Urfan Sharif, 42, and stepmother Beinash Batool, 30, are facing life sentences following their conviction at the Old Bailey. Sara’s uncle, Faisal Malik, 29, was also found guilty of causing or allowing her death.
Sara’s body was discovered on a bed in her home in Woking in August 2023, revealing she had been subjected to brutal torture including beatings with a cricket bat and metal pole. She had at least 71 external injuries, ten spinal fractures, burns from an iron, and multiple other fractures across her body. Plastic bags bound with packaging tape were used to suffocate her, and she was forced to wear a nappy as she was unable to use the toilet. The family fled to Pakistan after her death, but Urfan eventually admitted to the murder.
During the trial, shocking details emerged of the systematic abuse Sara endured at the hands of her family. She was regularly tied up, beaten, and forced to wear hoods made from carrier bags. Despite being referred to social services by teachers who noticed bruises on her face, Sara’s cries for help were ignored, and she died in agonizing pain.
Urfan initially denied abusing his daughter but later confessed to brutally beating her. He admitted to causing her death and expressed remorse for his actions. Stepmother Batool also faced charges and was found guilty of murder. The court heard how Sara’s Uncle Malik was convicted for causing or allowing the child’s death.
Despite Sara’s tragic demise, justice was served as Urfan, Batool, and Malik were arrested upon their return to the UK and faced consequences for their heinous actions. The case shed light on the failings of social services to protect vulnerable children like Sara from domestic abuse.
In the aftermath of this heartbreaking case, there is a dire need for stronger safeguards and interventions to prevent such atrocities from occurring in the future. Sara’s story serves as a grim reminder of the importance of vigilance and swift action in cases of child abuse to ensure that no child suffers in silence.