Sara Sharif’s Father and Stepmother Sentenced to Life for Murder

The father and stepmother of 10-year-old Sara Sharif have received life sentences for her murder, described as “sadistic.” Sara endured a “campaign of torture” for two years, involving being hooded, burned, and beaten, prior to her body’s discovery at the family residence in Woking, Surrey, in 2023. Proceedings at the Old Bailey saw her father, Urfan Sharif, 43, given a minimum prison term of 40 years for murder, and her stepmother, Beinash Batool, 30, handed a minimum sentence of 33 years. Additionally, Sara’s uncle, Faisal Malik, 29, was sentenced to 16 years’ imprisonment for his role in causing or allowing her death. Mr Justice Cavanagh stated to the court that “the degree of cruelty involved is almost inconceivable”. He further remarked, “You Beinash Batool did not stand in Urfan Sharif’s way. You encouraged Urfan Sharif in his assaults.” The judge noted that Sara’s “despicable treatment” occurred in “plain sight” of other family members. During a statement presented in court, Sara’s mother, Olga Domin, described the defendants as “sadists,” elaborating: “Although even this word is not enough for you. I would say you are executioners.” Commemorating her daughter, Ms Domin declared: “She is now an angel who looks down on us from heaven. She is no longer experiencing violence.” She added, “I hoped that when she grew up we would meet, but now that won’t happen.” Evidence presented at the trial indicated that a post-mortem examination revealed Sara had sustained injuries such as six probable human bite marks, an iron burn, and scalding from hot water prior to her death on 8 August last year. Beside Sara’s body, discovered by police in a bunkbed, was a note penned in her father’s handwriting, stating: “Whoever see this note, it’s me Urfan Sharif who killed my daughter by beating.” Sharif initially asserted that Batool was accountable for Sara’s death, informing the jury that his confession in the note and a later phone call were false, intended to shield his wife. Nevertheless, during cross-examination, Sharif made a dramatic U-turn, subsequently accepting “full responsibility” for his daughter’s death. Upon the discovery of her body by police, Sara exhibited over 70 new external injuries, among them 11 spinal fractures and indications of a traumatic brain injury. Sharif, Batool, and Malik departed for Islamabad, Pakistan, with Sara’s five siblings on 9 August 2023, the day preceding the discovery of her body. From Pakistan, Sharif contacted police in England, informing the operator that he had “legally punished” Sara and that she had died. The family remained in hiding for weeks while police searched for them, occasionally concealing themselves in cornfields to avoid detection, as reported by a man who informed the BBC he provided them refuge. The children were located during a police raid on their grandfather’s residence in early September last year, after which they were placed in a state childcare facility. When the three adults returned to the UK a few days later, they did not bring the children with them. Currently, all five children are still in Pakistan under the temporary care of a relative, as a legal dispute over their long-term living arrangements persists. Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones KC had previously stated that a bloodstained cricket bat, a rolling pin bearing Sara’s DNA, a metal pole, a belt, and rope were discovered close to the family’s outhouse. Dental impressions eliminated the male defendants as the source of the bite marks, but Batool declined to provide samples. Sara started wearing a hijab in January 2023 to conceal her injuries, following her primary school’s observation of bruises on her face. By April last year, she had been removed from school for home-schooling. During the trial, Sharif asserted that he returned home on the evening of 8 August 2023 to discover his wife in their bedroom, seated on the floor and holding Sara. Testifying, he recounted Batool telling him that the girl had fallen down the stairs while playing with another child and was “being dramatic.” Jurors were informed that Sharif’s response was to “whack” Sara twice in the stomach with a pole for “pretending.” He had previously stated that he also administered CPR to his daughter for 10 minutes, but Batool instructed him to cease. Sharif testified that upon inquiring about an ambulance, Batool responded: “There’s no need because she’s dead.” In his testimony, Sharif initially claimed his confessions were false before ultimately admitting “full responsibility” for Sara’s death. He then unexpectedly informed the jury: “I admit what I said in my phone call and my written note. Every single word.” Nevertheless, he later denied any intent to kill Sara and chose not to alter his plea. He informed the court that he had been untruthful when he referred to his wife, Batool, as a “psycho” earlier in the trial. Sharif acknowledged beating Sara but denied having bitten or burned her. Neither Batool nor Malik provided evidence during the trial. Maria Neophytou, acting chief executive of the NSPCC, stated that the “shocking” abuse Sara endured prompted concerns about child safeguarding. She asserted: “To significantly reduce the likelihood of more of these terrible cases emerging, there needs to be substantial, nationwide reform and investment in the services which we rely on to keep our children safe.” The judge commented that the case would undoubtedly prompt inquiries into whether more actions could have been taken to save Sara. He remarked, “This case brings into sharp relief the risks of unsupervised home-schooling of vulnerable children.” Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced that a register to identify children in England not currently attending school would be included in a “landmark” children’s bill, presented to Parliament on the same day as the sentencing.