Sara Sharif Murder Trial Set for Autumn 2024
The father, stepmother, and uncle of 10-year-old Sara Sharif are gearing up for a high-profile trial next autumn. The court heard that Sara suffered multiple injuries before her tragic death.
Three Charged in Woking Child Abuse Horror
At the Old Bailey on Tuesday, Urfan Sharif (father), Beinash Batool (stepmother), and Faisal Malik (uncle) appeared charged with Sara’s murder and causing or allowing the death of a child. Malik had just returned to the UK from Pakistan.
Surrey Police revealed they were alerted by a distressing phone call from Pakistan at 2:47 am on August 10. Officers rushed to the family home in Woking, Surrey, where they made a chilling discovery.
Shocking Injuries Detailed in Court
Officers found Sara’s lifeless body tucked under a blanket on a bunk bed. DNA tests confirmed her identity with the help of her mother Olga Sharif, who lives in Somerset.
“I can confirm Sara had a constellation of healed and healing injuries,” prosecutor Giles Bedoe told the court. “These include a healed collarbone fracture, a fractured hyoid bone in her neck, multiple broken ribs, bruising across her body, and a brain haemorrhage.”
Post-mortem reports are ongoing and expected to reveal more gruesome details.
Flight to Pakistan and Next Court Dates
Just two days before Sara was found dead, on August 8, the trio booked a flight to Pakistan, taking five children with them. The children’s identities remain protected by court order.
Upon their return to the UK last Wednesday, all three were arrested immediately. The Recorder of London, Judge Mark Lucraft KC, has set a plea hearing for December 1. The trial is pencilled in for September 2, 2024, and set to last six weeks. A decision on whether a High Court judge will oversee the case is pending.
All three defendants remain in custody until their next court appearance.
