Urfan Sharif, who was jailed last month for the brutal murder of his 10-year-old daughter, Sara Sharif, has reportedly been attacked in Belmarsh Prison. The incident, first reported by Sky News, involved Sharif sustaining slashes to his face and body, requiring medical attention. Local care was administered within the prison, with authorities describing his injuries as non-life-threatening.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed the assault and stated, “Officers are investigating an allegation that a prisoner was assaulted at Belmarsh. The 43-year-old suffered non-life-threatening injuries.” The prison authorities have refrained from commenting further as the investigation continues.
A Tragic Case of Abuse and Murder
Sara Sharif’s death on August 8, 2023, at her home in Woking, Surrey, shocked the nation. Prosecutors described her final weeks as marked by a campaign of “serious and repeated violence” inflicted by her father and stepmother, Beinash Batool. Her body, discovered two days after her death, bore dozens of injuries indicative of prolonged abuse.
Following Sara’s death, the family fled to Pakistan but were arrested in September 2023 at London’s Gatwick Airport after returning from Dubai. Their flight was part of an international operation to bring them to justice.
Guilty Verdict and Sentencing
On December 11, 2023, a British court found Urfan Sharif and Beinash Batool guilty of Sara’s murder. The trial at the Old Bailey revealed harrowing details of the abuse Sara suffered, leaving jurors visibly shaken. Both were sentenced on December 17 to lengthy prison terms—40 years for Sharif and 33 years for Batool.
Sara’s uncle, Faisal Malik, 29, was found guilty of failing to prevent the abuse but not of murder. Prosecutors hope this verdict underscores the critical responsibility adults have in safeguarding vulnerable children.
A Painstaking Trial
During the trial, Urfan initially denied the charges but later made a dramatic confession, admitting to beating his daughter over several weeks. Trembling in the dock, he acknowledged, “She died because of me.” The confession marked a turning point in the trial and left jurors stunned.
Detective Chief Inspector Craig Emmerson of Surrey Police described the case as “particularly disturbing.” Speaking after the trial, he said, “Sara’s life was tragically cut short by those who were supposed to protect her. Her bravery and spirit were evident even as she endured unimaginable suffering.”
Remembering Sara
Sara Sharif was remembered as a “cheerful little soul” with a passion for singing and dreams of appearing on The X Factor. Her headteacher described her as a resilient and vibrant child whose joy was evident to all who knew her.
This tragic case has reignited conversations about child protection and the need for greater vigilance in identifying and preventing abuse. As investigations into the assault on Urfan Sharif continue, the nation reflects on the devastating loss of a young life full of potential.