The father of 10-year-old Sara Sharif has admitted “full responsibility” for her death, a court heard during proceedings at the Old Bailey.
Urfan Sharif, 42, along with his wife Beinash Batool and his brother Faisal Malik, are facing charges in connection with Sara’s death, which occurred in August 2023. Her body was discovered at the family’s home in Woking, Surrey, bearing signs of extreme abuse, including dozens of injuries, burns, and possible bite marks.
Sharif had initially denied the charges of murder, claiming in earlier statements that Batool was responsible for Sara’s death. He had also made a false confession to protect her, both in a phone call and a note. However, during cross-examination in court, Sharif unexpectedly reversed his position, admitting to the abuse he inflicted on his daughter.
“I admit what I said in my phone call and my written note. Every single word,” Sharif told the court, further confirming his role in Sara’s death. Under questioning, he acknowledged severely beating Sara over the weeks leading up to her death, including on the night of August 6. He also admitted to causing fractures and using a cricket bat and metal pole during the abuse.
When asked about the charge of murder, Sharif confirmed, “Yes,” in response to the question of whether he wished the charge to be put to him again.
The court had previously heard that Sara was subjected to two years of physical and emotional abuse, including being hooded, beaten, and burned. A post-mortem examination revealed signs of severe trauma, including an iron burn and scalding from hot water. Among the items recovered from the scene were a bloodstained cricket bat, a rolling pin with Sara’s DNA, a metal pole, a belt, and rope.
Beinash Batool and Faisal Malik also face charges, but all three defendants had initially denied involvement in the murder and causing or allowing the death of a child.
As Sharif’s admissions unfolded in court, some jurors appeared visibly shocked. Meanwhile, Batool, who had been sobbing in the courtroom, left the hearing as the proceedings were adjourned for a brief recess.
Sara’s death has drawn widespread attention, highlighting the tragic abuse she endured and the ongoing investigation into the roles played by her father, stepmother, and uncle.