Sara Sharif’s father admitted to beating her up during a 999 call to the police after her death. He confessed to inflicting injuries that led to her death, stating that he had “legally punished” her. Sara’s body was found in the family home in Woking, Surrey, where she had suffered extensive injuries, including broken bones, burns, and bruising.
During the call, Urfan Sharif explained that he had punished Sara for being naughty over the past few weeks, leading to her death unintentionally. He was in Islamabad at the time of the call, having fled to Pakistan with Sara’s stepmother, Beinash Batool, and her uncle, Faisal Malik. All three defendants deny Sara’s murder and causing or allowing the death of a child.
Prosecutor William Emlyn-Jones KC detailed the horrific injuries Sara had suffered, describing a pattern of abuse and violence over time. Sara had fractures, bite marks, a traumatic brain injury, and other severe injuries indicating prolonged abuse. A note found next to her body matched Sharif’s writing, confessing to beating her and expressing regret.
Further investigations revealed that Sara had been burnt with an iron, scalded by hot water, and restrained. The defendants attempted to flee to Pakistan after Sara’s death, prioritizing their escape over seeking medical help for the child. Media attention led to their return to the UK, where they were arrested and charged with Sara’s murder.
During the trial, each defendant tried to blame the others for Sara’s death. Sharif claimed his wife, Batool, was responsible, while Batool accused Sharif of being violent and intimidating. Malik denied any knowledge of the abuse in the household. The prosecution argued that all three defendants were complicit in the violence against Sara.
The trial is ongoing, with the defendants facing charges of murder and causing or allowing the death of a child. The court heard that the level of abuse Sara endured was severe and prolonged, implicating all three defendants in her tragic death. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable children and holding perpetrators of abuse accountable.
