Woking, England – In a trial that has gripped the nation with its harrowing details, the father of 10-year-old Sara Sharif admitted to inflicting severe physical harm upon his daughter, culminating in her tragic death. The case, unfolding at the Old Bailey, has revealed disturbing instances of abuse within the family home, described by prosecutors as “inhuman” violence that had become normalized.
Urfan Sharif, a taxi driver, originally attempted to shift blame to his wife, Beinash Batool, during the investigation. Under intense scrutiny in court, however, Sharif conceded that he had lied about his wife’s involvement. His confession to the court included the admission that he had beaten Sara with a cricket bat, strangled her repeatedly with his hands, and hit her with a metal pole as her condition deteriorated.
Despite his acknowledgment of these actions, Sharif has denied intending to kill his daughter, stating, “She died because of me. I didn’t want to kill her.” This complex case also involves Batool and Faisal Malik, Sara’s uncle, both of whom have pleaded not guilty alongside Sharif to charges of murder and causing or allowing the death of the child.
The court heard stark descriptions of the violence Sara endured. Medical experts testified that her injuries were so severe they resembled those from falling from a significant height. Prosecutors argued that the repetitive and brutal beatings were intended to cause serious harm.
On the night of August 10, following the fatal assault, Sharif contacted Surrey Police from Pakistan, where he had fled, claiming he had beaten his daughter excessively because she was “naughty.” He described her injuries and admitted that she had died as a result of the beating.
The trial also scrutinized past incidents, linking Sharif to injuries on another child connected to him, involving bite marks and burns similar to those found on Sara. Michael Ivers KC, representing Malik, highlighted this pattern, suggesting that it was not coincidental but rather indicative of Sharif’s method of disciplining children.
In an emotional testimony, Sharif expressed remorse, admitting he was “a bad dad” yet still a father. He lamented his actions and the devastation they caused, addressing the irreversible impact of his decisions on his family.
The prosecution robustly challenged the trio’s defense, suggesting that all individuals involved were aware of the ongoing abuse within the home. They pointed out the inconsistencies in Sharif’s accounts and the attempts to mislead the investigation, framing the household dynamics as complicit in the abuse and eventual death of Sara.
As the trial continues, the community and nation wait anxiously for justice for Sara, whose tragic end has shed light on the darker recesses of familial abuse and the crucial need for vigilance and intervention in protecting children’s rights and well-being. The outcome of this case is expected to resonate deeply, urging a reevaluation of protective measures for vulnerable children and the penalties for those who breach their duty of care.