Jurors have been shown video footage of the moment police apprehended the alleged killers of Sara Sharif as they returned to the UK. The three relatives, who had traveled to Pakistan on August 9, 2023—the day after Sara’s death at their home in Woking, Surrey—were detained upon their arrival on September 13. In the footage captured on an Emirates flight from Dubai, Sara’s stepmother, Beinash Batool, is seen raising her hand and remarking, “I think they’re looking for us,” as officers approached their seats.
Beinash Batool, aged 30, along with Sara’s father Urfan Sharif, 42, and her uncle Faisal Malik, 29, are facing trial at the Old Bailey on charges of murder and causing or allowing a child’s death. The tragic discovery of Sara’s body occurred on August 10, 2023, when it was found in a bunk bed at her residence. Previous testimonies revealed that she had endured extensive abuse over a period of more than two years, including being hooded, burned, bitten, and beaten.
The video evidence depicts several officers with marked identification boarding the aircraft just seven minutes after its landing at Gatwick Airport. When questioned about his belongings upon approach by police, Mr. Sharif responded that he did not have a bag. Subsequently, he was handcuffed onboard. The footage further captures Mr. Sharif standing beside a police van where he was arrested on suspicion of his daughter’s murder. Additionally, both Mr. Malik and Ms. Batool were taken into custody under similar suspicions.
The day following their arrest, all three were interviewed separately by law enforcement but chose to refrain from answering questions posed to them. In court proceedings on Friday, it was revealed that social services had opted not to pursue any actions despite receiving a referral from Sara’s school after noticing bruises on her months before her tragic demise.
The trial at the Old Bailey is ongoing as jurors continue to hear evidence related to this heartbreaking case. In related news from Surrey Police, their #DontFallVictim campaign is currently raising awareness about an increase in burglary incidents during this seasonal period. Authorities are also seeking witnesses regarding a significant jewelry theft from a local property. In other criminal news, Max Coughlin has been sentenced to six years in prison for violating a sexual harm prevention order.
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