Sara Sharif’s father, Urfan Sharif, and stepmother, Beinash Batool, have been sentenced to life imprisonment for years of horrific abuse and torture that led to the death of their 10-year-old daughter. The court revealed that Sara endured unimaginable suffering, including repeated beatings, burns, bites, and restraints at their home in Woking, Surrey.
Sharif, 42, and Batool, 30, attempted to cover up the abuse by taking Sara out of school, but they fled to Pakistan after her death. On Tuesday, the court sentenced Sharif to a minimum of 40 years, Batool to 33 years, and Sara’s uncle, Faisal Malik, 29, to 16 years for causing or allowing her death.
Justice Cavanagh, in his televised sentencing, described Sara’s death as the result of years of neglect and frequent assaults, calling it “torture” primarily inflicted by her father. He noted that Sara had been a brave and spirited child who defied her father’s attempts to dominate her, adding that Sharif’s cruelty was driven by his desire to assert power.
Batool was accused of sacrificing her stepdaughter, while Malik, who had been living with the family, was criticized for failing to intervene despite being aware of the abuse. The judge emphasized the dangers of home-schooling vulnerable children like Sara and questioned whether anything could have been done to prevent her death.
Sara’s mother, Olga Sharif, expressed her heartbreak, describing Sara as a joyful and unique child who had been robbed of her life by those meant to protect her. The case, which highlighted the depth of cruelty Sara faced, has drawn widespread outrage.
Sara’s tragic death, which occurred on August 10, 2023, was preceded by months of escalating abuse. She had 71 injuries, including broken bones, burns, scalds, and bite marks. The abuse was so severe that by January 2023, Sara wore a hijab to conceal her bruises. Despite referrals to social services, no action was taken, and Sara was withdrawn from school before her death.
The defendants fled to Pakistan immediately after her death, but were arrested upon returning to the UK in September 2023. Sharif initially blamed Batool for the violence but later took full responsibility, though he later denied certain aspects of the abuse.
Sara’s siblings and half-siblings remain in Pakistan, with efforts underway to return them to the UK. The case has sparked public outrage, with many questioning how such abuse could go unnoticed for so long.
