The trial over the death of Sara Sharif, 10, is set to continue until 13 December. Schoolgirl Sara Sharif was discovered dead at her family home in Woking with a note, written by her father, saying: “It’s me Urfan Sharif who killed my daughter by beating”. He added, “I swear to God that my intention was not to kill her. But I lost it,” before mentioning that he was running away. Sara’s body was found in a bedroom at an address on Hammond Road on 10 August last year, after her father called Surrey Police from Pakistan to report that he had “legally punished” his daughter, resulting in her death.
The trial at the Old Bailey includes Sara’s stepmother Beinash Batool, 30, and her uncle Faisal Malik, 29, who are all accused of killing her. The defendants have pleaded not guilty to her murder and causing or allowing the death of a child between December 16, 2022, and August 9, 2023. The court heard that Sara had suffered extensive injuries over a prolonged period, including broken bones, burns, and bruising.
Prosecution states that all three defendants are responsible for her death, emphasizing that Sara had been subjected to serious violence. The injuries she suffered were described as “appalling” and “brutal”, with dozens of separate injuries both externally and internally, extensive bruising, burns, and broken bones. The prosecution argues that the adults living in the house where Sara lived are complicit in her abuse and death as they did not seek help or intervention despite the ongoing violence.
A note found next to Sara’s body in her father’s handwriting revealed his confession to beating her and unintentionally causing her death. Urfan Sharif had called Surrey Police from Pakistan to admit to the killing, stating that he had “legally punished” his daughter, resulting in her death. The prosecution highlighted the severity of the abuse Sara had endured, which was far beyond what was described in her father’s initial admission of beating her.
The trial began with all three defendants denying the murder charges. The jurors have entered the courtroom at the Old Bailey, and the prosecution is expected to present their case against the defendants. The trial is scheduled to continue until 13 December, with the prosecutor outlining the details of the case and the events leading to Sara’s tragic death.
The tragic death of Sara Sharif sheds light on the importance of recognizing and reporting instances of child abuse and seeking intervention to prevent such heartbreaking incidents from occurring. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility adults have in protecting children and ensuring their safety and well-being.
