The tragic murder of 10-year-old Sara Sharif in August 2023 shocked the world. Her father, Urfan Sharif, admitted to beating her to death after years of horrific abuse. A handwritten note found near her body confirmed his confession, in which he claimed, “I lost it,” though he didn’t intend to kill her.
Sara suffered over 70 injuries, including fractures, burns, and bite marks. Urfan, his wife Beinash Batool, and his brother fled to Pakistan but were later extradited and charged. In December 2024, Sharif received a life sentence with a minimum of 40 years. Batool was sentenced to at least 33 years, and the uncle, Faisal Malik, received 16 years.
Sara’s mother, Olga Domin, called the trio “executioners” in an emotional court statement, adding that her daughter is now “an angel.”
Upon entering HMP Belmarsh, Sharif became a target due to the prison code that strongly condemns child abusers. On New Year’s Day, two inmates attacked him using a makeshift weapon made from a tuna can lid. He suffered serious neck and face injuries but survived.
One of the attackers is believed to be Steve Sansom, already serving life for a brutal double murder. Prison insiders say an attack was inevitable, given Sharif’s notoriety, and many inmates believed “it couldn’t have happened to a more deserving guy.”
