LONDON – A court of United Kingdom sentenced father and stepmother to life for killing young Sara Sharif – who was brutally murdered after facing years of abuse.
After a prolonged trial, Urfan Sharif, and wife Benash Batool, were sentenced to life imprisonment today for murder of stepdaughter, Sara Sharif. The verdict follows a harrowing trial that revealed the extent of the abuse Sara endured prior to her death.
Sara’s uncle, Faisal Malik, 29, who lived in the family home, was also convicted of causing or allowing her death. The court heard disturbing details of Sara’s final days, including the discovery of over 70 injuries on her small body, which included a traumatic brain injury, multiple fractures, scald wounds, and human bite marks. Medical experts described the injuries as consistent with prolonged and systemic abuse.
The young girl was found dead in her bed in Woking, Surrey, on August 10, 2023, after her father and stepmother fled to homeland Pakistan. After the shocking discovery, Urfan left behind a handwritten note stating he had not intended to kill her but “lost it.”
The family members were then held upon their return to Birtina after extended manhunt. During trial, Sharif admitted to fatally injuring Sara but insisted it was not his intention to cause her harm. He first initially denied all charges, attempting to shift the blame to Batool. However, he later confessed to physically assaulting Sara, admitting to using a cricket bat to strike her while she was bound, choking her, and breaking her bones.
The case caused deep outrage and grief across Pakistan and UK, as people called for strong action. Sentencing details are expected to be announced following the conclusion of the trial, as the family grapples with the tragedy that has shocked and saddened many.
