In a shocking turn of events at the Old Bailey, Urfan Sharif, the father of 10-year-old Sara Sharif, has accepted full responsibility for her death during a court hearing. Sharif, 42, along with his wife Beinash Batool, 30, and brother Faisal Malik, 29, had previously denied murder charges related to Sara’s death.
During cross-examination, Sharif made a series of unexpected admissions. When asked by Batool’s barrister Caroline Carberry KC if he had been beating Sara severely over several weeks, he responded “Yes.” He also confirmed that on the night of August 6, he had badly beaten his daughter.
Sharif went further, admitting to causing fractures to Sara and revealing that he had used a cricket bat and a metal pole during the abuse. His sudden confession came after previously claiming that Batool was responsible for Sara’s death and that his earlier phone call and written note were false confessions made to protect his wife.
The court heard that Sara had suffered extensive abuse over more than two years. A post-mortem examination revealed she had endured dozens of injuries, including probable human bite marks, an iron burn, and scalding from hot water. She died on August 8, 2023.
Prosecutors previously noted that several potential weapons were found near the family’s outhouse, including a bloodstained cricket bat, a rolling pin with Sara’s DNA, a metal pole, a belt, and a rope.
As Sharif made his admissions, some jury members appeared visibly shocked. Batool, who had been sobbing loudly, left the courtroom during the proceedings. The jury was subsequently sent away, and the case was adjourned.
All three defendants – Sharif, Batool, and Malik – had originally pleaded not guilty to murder and causing or allowing the death of a child. However, Sharif’s unexpected admission of guilt marks a significant development in the case.
When asked if he would like the murder charge to be put to him again, Sharif agreed. His barrister, Naeem Mian KC, then requested time to speak with his client, highlighting the dramatic and unexpected nature of the proceedings.
The case has drawn significant public attention due to the brutal nature of the alleged abuse and the young age of the victim. Sara Sharif’s death has raised serious questions about child protection and the circumstances that led to such extensive and prolonged abuse.
The trial continues, with further developments expected as the legal proceedings unfold. The shocking admissions by Urfan Sharif have brought a new and deeply distressing dimension to this tragic case.
