independent.co.uk
Sara Sharif Murder Trial
A 10-year-old girl was found dead after her parents and uncle fled to Pakistan. They are on trial for murder.
English
United Kingdom
Human Rights ViolationsUkGender IssuesMurderViolenceFamilyChild AbuseCourt
The IndependentSurrey PoliceOld Bailey
Sara SharifUrfan SharifBeinash BatoolFaisal MalikMichael Ivers KcWilliam Emlyn Jones Kc
- What happened to Sara Sharif?
- Sara Sharif, a 10-year-old girl, was found dead in her Woking home after her father, Urfan Sharif, his wife, Beinash Batool, and his brother, Faisal Malik, fled to Pakistan. She suffered extensive injuries indicating prolonged abuse.
- What did Urfan Sharif admit to during the trial?
- Urfan Sharif initially blamed his wife for Sara's death but later admitted to beating her when she soiled herself or vomited. He also admitted to being a coward and bullying his daughter.
- What is the prosecution's argument in this case?
- The prosecution argued that the violence inflicted upon Sara was normalized within the family, with all three adults aware and complicit in the abuse. The defense maintains that Urfan Sharif was not solely responsible for Sara's death.
- What are the charges against the three defendants?
- The three adults, Urfan Sharif, Beinash Batool, and Faisal Malik, are on trial for murder and causing or allowing Sara's death. The trial is ongoing.
- What evidence was presented to suggest that the abuse was normalized?
- The evidence presented included videos showing Sara with a black eye at a family barbecue, suggesting that the abuse was commonplace and ignored by the adults present. Similar injuries were also noted on another child.