Father and Stepmother Convicted for Murder of 10-Year-Old Sara Sharif in Surrey
In a tragic turn of events, Sara Sharif’s father and stepmother have been convicted of murdering the 10-year-old girl in Surrey. The heartbreaking story unfolded as details emerged of the abuse Sara suffered at the hands of her own family before her untimely death.
The Horrific Abuse
Sara died on 8 August last year, and her lifeless body was discovered two days later in a bunk bed at her home in Woking, Surrey. The abuse she endured in the weeks leading up to her death was nothing short of brutal. She was tied up, beaten with a cricket bat, burnt with an iron, and even bitten in a relentless campaign of abuse that ultimately claimed her young life.
During a heartbreaking call to the police from Pakistan, where he had fled with his family, Sara’s father, Urfan Sharif, confessed to the murder, sobbing as he admitted, “I’ve killed my daughter.” The call revealed the extent of the abuse Sara faced and the tragic circumstances that led to her death.
A Tragic Journey to Escape
After Sara’s death, Sharif, his wife Beinash Batool, and his brother Faisal Malik, along with five children, fled to Pakistan from Heathrow Airport. The family’s attempt to evade justice was short-lived, as they were arrested upon their return to Gatwick Airport weeks later.
The court proceedings were emotionally charged as Sharif and Batool were found guilty of Sara’s murder, while Malik was found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child. The verdict left Batool sobbing in the dock, highlighting the devastating impact of Sara’s death on those closest to her.
Remembering Sara
Sara Sharif’s short life was marked by unimaginable suffering and abuse, but those who knew her remember her as a vibrant and caring young girl with dreams of becoming a model. Her tragic story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable children and speaking out against abuse in all its forms.
As the community mourns the loss of Sara, questions remain about the missed opportunities to protect her from harm. The harrowing details of her abuse and subsequent death underscore the urgent need for vigilance and action to prevent similar tragedies from befalling other innocent children.
Sara’s memory lives on through the words of those who knew and loved her, painting a picture of a young girl full of life and potential, whose light was extinguished far too soon. May her story serve as a call to action to protect the most vulnerable among us and ensure that justice is served for those who cannot speak for themselves.
