Background of Sara Sharif’s Death
Sara Sharif, a 10-year-old British-Pakistani girl, tragically died in August 2023 after enduring prolonged and severe abuse at the hands of her father, Urfan Sharif, and stepmother, Beinash Batool. Sara’s body was discovered in her bed, covered in numerous injuries, including bites, bruises, broken bones, and burn marks. A post-mortem revealed that she had over 100 injuries and at least 25 broken bones, showcasing the brutality she had suffered.
Details of the Abuse
The abuse inflicted on Sara was both physically and emotionally traumatic. Her father, Urfan Sharif, admitted to using a cricket bat to beat her, and also strangled her with his bare hands, causing significant damage to her neck. Despite Sara’s obvious suffering, the family continued to cover up the extent of the abuse.
The Conviction of Perpetrators
After a 10-week trial at the Old Bailey in London, both Urfan Sharif and Beinash Batool were convicted of Sara’s murder. Additionally, Sara’s uncle, Faisal Malik, was found guilty of causing or allowing her death. The three individuals were arrested upon their return to the UK after fleeing to Pakistan the day after Sara’s death.
The Family’s Flight to Pakistan
Following Sara’s death, the three adults fled the UK with five other children, traveling to Pakistan. Urfan Sharif, while en route to the airport, called the police to report Sara’s death. He left behind a handwritten note claiming that he had not intended to kill his daughter but had “lost it.” After spending a month in Pakistan, they were apprehended upon their return to the UK.
Failure of Social Services
Sara’s case has drawn attention to the failures of child protection services in the UK. Before her death, Sara had been withdrawn from school by her father, and her injuries were reported to child services. Despite the referral, no action was taken, and Sara was taken out of school, reportedly to be homeschooled. The failure of social services to intervene has led to public outrage and renewed calls for reform in child welfare systems.
Family History and Custody of Sara
Sara’s family history was fraught with abuse. Before Sara’s death, she had been placed in and out of foster care. In 2019, her father, Urfan Sharif, gained custody of her despite a history of abusive behavior towards his first wife, Olga, and other children. This history was reportedly known to social services, yet Sara continued to live with her father under their watchful eye.
Public Outrage and Calls for Reform
The case of Sara Sharif has sparked public outrage, not only due to the extreme nature of her abuse but also because it highlights the systemic failures of child protection services. Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza has stated that Sara was “failed” by the safety net of services designed to protect her. Following this tragedy, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to introduce stronger safeguards for children, particularly those being homeschooled, to prevent similar situations in the future.
Conclusion
The UK court is set to hand down sentences to Urfan Sharif and Beinash Batool. Their conviction marks a tragic end to Sara’s short life, but it also serves as a reminder of the urgent need for reform in child protection and welfare systems to ensure that such a horrific incident is not repeated.
