URFAN SHARIF AND FAMILY SENTENCED TO LIFE IN LONDON FOR SARA SHARIF'S MURDER

On December 17, 2024, the father and stepmother of 10-year-old Sara Sharif were sentenced to life imprisonment at The Central Criminal Court in London after being found guilty of her murder. Urfan Sharif, 42, was ordered to serve a minimum of 40 years, while his wife, Beinash Batool, 30, received a minimum term of 33 years. Their 29-year-old brother, Faisal Malik, was sentenced to 16 years for causing or allowing Sara’s death.

All three defendants were convicted on December 11 following a comprehensive 10-week trial. Justice John Cavanagh described Sara as a "beautiful little girl" who was "full of personality," highlighting her courage and love for singing and dancing. He remarked that while the term torture should be used cautiously, “is it no exaggeration to describe the campaign of abuse against Sara as torture?” He emphasized that the treatment Sara endured was "nothing short of gruesome" and that the cruelty was "almost inconceivable."

Justice Cavanagh also noted that none of the defendants had shown genuine remorse, stating that nothing could compensate for the loss of Sara’s young life. Addressing changes in Urfan Sharif’s testimony during the trial—from initially blaming Batool to later admitting he had beaten Sara but did not intend to kill her—the judge labeled Sharif’s remorse as "no more than a ploy," pointing out that he continued to conceal the extent of his cruelty even after admission.

Turning to Beinash Batool, the judge said: “You were prepared to sacrifice Sara because you did not want to lose your other children. Put bluntly, you did not care enough about Sara to save her.” Regarding Faisal Malik, Justice Cavanagh stated that he should have recognized the danger and intervened but failed to protect Sara.

Sara’s mother, Olga Domin, gave a poignant victim impact statement, remembering her daughter’s smile and unique character. She expressed her grief and hope for a proper funeral, saying, “Sara is not far from home, and she is visited every day, I always light candles for her and there are flowers with her. She is now an angel who looks down on us from heaven, she is no longer experiencing violence.” Ms. Domin added, “To this day, I can't understand how someone can be such a sadist to a child. I hoped that when she grew up, we would meet but now it won't happen, she left us too soon.”

Sara’s body was discovered at the family home in Hammond Road, Woking, early on August 10, 2023, after Urfan Sharif called police confessing to her death and leaving her at the residence. A handwritten note was found nearby, claiming Sharif’s responsibility. The call, lasting over eight minutes, detailed Sharif’s panic and his admission of excessive beating, though he insisted killing was unintentional. He provided no information on their flight to Pakistan the night before Sara’s death. It later emerged that Batool booked their tickets on August 8, 2023, the day Sara is believed to have died.

The post-mortem revealed Sara died from complications due to multiple injuries and neglect. Pathologists identified approximately 100 injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, broken bones, bruises, scars, burns inflicted with a domestic iron, and human bite marks. Injuries were inflicted with implements such as a cricket bat, vacuum, and metal pole. Evidence also showed Sara was restrained and her head was covered with homemade hoods of tape and plastic bags during injury infliction.

An investigation involving Surrey Police, Sussex Police, Interpol, the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office, the National Crime Agency, the Crown Prosecution Service, and Pakistani authorities led to the arrest of Sharif, Batool, and Malik as they disembarked at Gatwick Airport after returning from Pakistan in September 2023. They were charged with Sara’s murder and causing or allowing her death two days later, and all pleaded not guilty on December 14, 2023. Urfan Sharif, the only defendant to give evidence, initially blamed Batool but later claimed full responsibility, asserting he had beaten Sara without intending to kill her.

Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Chapman from Surrey and Sussex Police said: “The father and stepmother of 10-year-old Sara Sharif have today been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of her murder. Her uncle was sentenced to 16 years for causing or allowing her death. Sara was a bright and lively girl who loved singing and dancing, and I extend my deepest condolences to her family.” He praised the ongoing investigations and the support from international agencies, noting: “Sara’s death has been one of the most difficult cases Surrey Police has ever dealt with. I thank those who provided information and evidence, despite the harrowing circumstances.”

Furthermore, the National Crime Agency’s Deputy Director of International, Rick Jones, stated: “Sara Sharif’s life was taken in horrific circumstances at the hands of those meant to protect her. Our thoughts remain with her mother and loved ones. The diligent work of NCA officers and international partners, including Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency, was crucial to bringing her killers to justice. I thank the Pakistani authorities for their vital cooperation, which led to the sentencing of those responsible.”