Sara Sharif’s Father and Stepmother Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Torture and Murder
Sara Sharif’s father and stepmother have been sentenced to life in prison for the “torture” and murder of the young girl. Sara, who was just 10 years old, endured years of unimaginable pain, suffering, and abuse before her tragic death. Urfan Sharif, 42, and Beinash Batool, 30, were found guilty of subjecting Sara to horrifying abuse, including beatings, burns, and restraints at their home in Woking, Surrey.
The court heard how the couple attempted to conceal the abuse by removing Sara from school and eventually fleeing to Pakistan after her death. Urfan Sharif received a minimum sentence of 40 years, while Beinash Batool was given 33 years in prison. Sara’s uncle, Faisal Malik, 29, who was convicted of causing or allowing her death, was sentenced to 16 years behind bars.
During the sentencing at the Old Bailey, Mr Justice Cavanagh described Sara’s death as the result of years of neglect, frequent assaults, and torture, mainly at the hands of her father, Urfan Sharif. The judge condemned the defendants for their despicable treatment of Sara, which he noted took place in plain view of the rest of the family.
Sara’s mother, Olga Sharif, expressed her grief and disbelief at the sadistic treatment her daughter endured. She described Sara as a brave and spirited child who deserved love and protection, not cruelty and violence. The Crown Prosecution Service highlighted the severity of the crimes committed against Sara and hoped that the sentences would bring some solace to those who knew and loved her.
The court learned that Sara suffered 71 fresh injuries, including broken bones, burns, scalding marks, and human bites. She was beaten with a cricket bat and iron bar, strangled, and had objects thrown at her head. The abuse was so severe that even on the day of her death, she was subjected to further violence by her father.
Despite teachers noticing marks on Sara’s face and referring her to social services, the system failed to protect her, and she was eventually withdrawn from school. The family attempted to flee to Pakistan after Sara’s death, but they were apprehended upon their return to the UK. During the trial, Urfan Sharif initially blamed Beinash Batool for the abuse before eventually accepting responsibility for his actions.
The case has shed light on the dangers faced by vulnerable children who are homeschooled and raised questions about the effectiveness of child protection services. While nothing can undo the tragedy of Sara’s death, the convictions of her father, stepmother, and uncle serve as a form of justice for the young girl whose life was cut short by those who should have cared for her.
Efforts are being made to repatriate Sara’s siblings and half-siblings from Pakistan to the UK, where they can receive the necessary support and care they deserve. The story of Sara Sharif serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and intervention in cases of child abuse, ensuring that no child suffers in silence or falls through the cracks of the system.