The Verdict
The father and stepmother of 10-year-old Sara Sharif have been sentenced to life in prison for her murder after two years of horrific abuse. Sara's father, Urfan Sharif, 43, will serve a minimum of 40 years, while her stepmother, Beinash Batool, 30, received 33 years. Sara’s uncle, Faisal Malik, 29, was sentenced to 16 years for causing or allowing her death.
At the Old Bailey, Judge Justice Cavanagh described the cruelty as “almost inconceivable”, condemning the family’s prolonged torture of Sara.
The Abuse and Death
Sara's body was discovered in August 2023 at the family home in Woking, Surrey. A post-mortem revealed:
70+ injuries, including 11 spinal fractures.
Six human bite marks and burns from hot water and an iron.
Signs of traumatic brain injury.
A handwritten note by Urfan Sharif was found near her body, stating: “Whoever sees this note, it’s me, Urfan Sharif, who killed my daughter by beating.”
Sharif later admitted full responsibility for the death during the trial, contradicting his earlier claims that he made false confessions to protect his wife.
Escape to Pakistan
On August 9, 2023—one day before Sara's body was found—Sharif, Batool, and Malik fled to Pakistan with Sara’s five siblings. From there, Sharif made a phone call to UK authorities, admitting to Sara’s death but claiming it resulted from “legal punishment.”
The family hid for weeks in Pakistan, sometimes in cornfields, before being tracked to their grandfather’s home. Authorities found the children in September and sent them to a childcare facility.
The Investigation
Key evidence included:
Bloodstained cricket bat, rolling pin, metal pole, belt, and rope.
Dental impressions that confirmed the bite marks were not from the male defendants. Batool refused to provide samples.
Sara’s abuse intensified in 2023:
She wore a hijab to hide her injuries.
By April, she had been withdrawn from school to be home-schooled.
The Family’s Claims
Sharif told jurors he struck Sara with a pole after his wife claimed the girl was “pretending” after falling down the stairs. He admitted beating her but denied any intent to kill. Batool and Malik did not testify during the trial.
Safeguarding Concerns
The case has sparked serious concerns about child protection in the UK. Maria Neophytou, acting chief executive of NSPCC, said: “There needs to be substantial, nationwide reform and investment in services to keep our children safe.”
Judge Justice Cavanagh also highlighted risks related to unsupervised home-schooling, particularly for vulnerable children.
Sara’s Mother Speaks
Sara’s mother, Olga Domin, described the defendants as “sadists” and paid tribute to her daughter: “She is now an angel who looks down on us from heaven.”
Why It Matters?
Sara Sharif’s tragic death has underscored gaps in the UK’s child protection system and the dangers of hidden abuse. This case calls for urgent reforms to safeguard vulnerable children across the country.
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