Sara Sharif Murder Trial: Stepmother and Uncle Decline to Testify

Sara Sharif’s stepmother and uncle have chosen not to present evidence in their own defence as part of the trial concerning the 10-year-old’s murder. At the Old Bailey, Mr Justice Cavanagh inquired whether the barristers representing each defendant had informed their clients that the “jury may draw such inference as is proper” from their decision not to testify. The barristers confirmed this advice had been given. Beinash Batool, 30, Sara’s stepmother, and Faisal Malik, 29, her uncle, alongside Urfan Sharif, 42, the girl’s father, have pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and causing or allowing her death. Previously, the court was informed that Sara’s body, discovered last year at the family residence in Woking, Surrey, bore numerous injuries. It was also stated that she had been subjected to being hooded, burned, and beaten over a period exceeding two years of abuse. The judge informed the court that the jury had been instructed to reconvene on Wednesday, with legal directions scheduled to commence later this week. A post-mortem examination revealed that Sara sustained injuries, including “probable human bite marks,” an iron burn, and scalding from hot water, prior to her death on 8 August 2023. Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones KC previously stated that a bloodstained cricket bat, a rolling pin bearing Sara’s DNA, a metal pole, a belt, and rope were discovered in proximity to the family’s outhouse. During cross-examination, Mr. Sharif had previously taken “full responsibility” for Sara’s death, but subsequently denied any intention to kill her. He further informed the jury that he had been untruthful when he referred to his wife, Ms. Batool, as a “psycho” earlier in the proceedings. Mr. Sharif confessed to beating Sara but denied inflicting bites or burns upon her. The court was previously told that Mr. Sharif, Ms. Batool, and Mr. Malik traveled to Islamabad, Pakistan, accompanied by Sara’s five siblings, on 9 August 2023, which was the day prior to the discovery of her body. The trial is ongoing.