The trial over the death of Sara Sharif, 10, continues until 13 December. Sara’s father apologized for noise coming from their family home after a neighbor heard “gut-wrenching screams.” The Old Bailey heard that neighbor Chloe Redwin used to hear sounds of “smacking” from their home, which were followed by screams. Surrey Police found Sara dead in a bedroom in Woking on 10 August last year with disturbing injuries such as bitemarks, scalding, and broken bones.
The court heard that Sara’s head may have been covered with “home-made hoods” made of plastic bags and parcel tape. Her stepmother allegedly bought 18 rolls of parcel tape online in the month before Sara died. Police found strange-looking objects in the wheelie bins, which were believed to be homemade hoods placed over Sara’s head.
A neighbor heard a single high-pitched scream two days before Sara’s death, which sounded like someone in pain. The prosecution suggests that Sara began wearing a hijab to school in January 2023 to conceal injuries to her face and head from the outside world. The court also heard that another neighbor heard sounds of “smacking” followed by “gut-wrenching screams” from the family home.
The trial revealed that a video doorbell had been removed from the family home before the defendants fled to Pakistan, leaving Sara’s body inside. This doorbell could have provided valuable evidence of the comings and goings in the month before Sara’s death. The trial has resumed at the Old Bailey, with the prosecution expected to continue presenting its case against the defendants.
In a harrowing 999 call, Sara’s father admitted to beating her and causing her death. He expressed regret and panic, stating that he tried to resuscitate her but failed. The trial is set to continue for seven weeks, with Sara’s father, stepmother, and uncle all facing charges related to her murder and death. The court heard that all three defendants played a part in a campaign of abuse against Sara, leading to her tragic death.
