The heartbreaking case of Sara Sharif, a 10-year-old girl found dead in her home last year, has captured public attention and prompted significant court proceedings. As the trial unfolds, her father, Urfan Sharif, along with his wife and brother, faces serious allegations of murder and child neglect. The details emerging from the courtroom are both troubling and complex.
During the recent hearings at the Old Bailey, Urfan Sharif, 42, claimed he attempted to save his daughter when he discovered her unresponsive on August 8, 2023. His defense attorney, Naeem Mian KC, recounted Mr. Sharif’s desperate pleas for medical assistance after finding Sara in a limp state.
Mr. Mian KC explained that when Mr. Sharif begged for an ambulance, he was allegedly told in Urdu or Punjabi to “leave it” as she was already dead.
In his testimony, Mr. Sharif denied accusations of physical abuse, asserting he had never bitten or beaten Sara and describing any physical discipline as a last resort. He emphasized that he did not use extreme measures like a cricket bat or metal pole.
Despite these claims, a post-mortem examination revealed that Sara had endured multiple injuries prior to her death—including notable signs of abuse such as potential bite marks and thermal injuries from hot water.
The prosecution’s case painted a grim picture: evidence presented included a bloodstained cricket bat and other items linked to Sara’s injuries found near the family residence. Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones KC indicated that these findings suggest extensive physical abuse over several years.
Adding another layer to this tragic narrative is the family’s abrupt departure from the UK shortly after Sara’s death. On August 9, 2023—just a day after her body was discovered—the family flew to Islamabad. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Sharif reportedly confessed to police in Pakistan about his daughter’s death.
Jurors have been informed that Mr. Sharif claims responsibility lies with his wife, Beinash Batool, suggesting that any admissions made were intended to shield her from culpability.
As the trial continues, all three defendants—Sharif, Batool, and uncle Faisal Malik—face charges not only of murder but also of allowing or causing Sara’s death, which they firmly deny.
This tragic case raises critical questions about child welfare and family dynamics. As more details emerge during the trial, they may shed light on systemic issues surrounding child protection in society.
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Trial of Father Accused in Daughter’s Death The tragic case surrounding the death of 10-year-old Sara Sharif continues to unfold in a London court, drawing attention to the harrowing circumstances leading up to her demise.
Disturbing Footage Presented in Court A video featuring ten-year-old Sara Sharif dancing in her family home has been shown to jurors, just days before her tragic death.