The 40-year prison sentence handed to Urfan Sharif for the horrific murder of his 10-year-old daughter, Sara Sharif, is set to be reviewed by the Court of Appeal after being deemed “unduly lenient” by the Solicitor General.
Sara endured years of abuse and neglect before her tragic death in August 2023, during which she was subjected to what the judge described as “torture.”
A Harrowing Case
Sara was repeatedly beaten, burned, bitten, and restrained at her home in Woking, Surrey, suffering injuries including 71 fresh wounds, 25 broken bones, scald marks, and iron burns. She ultimately died following a brutal assault by her father and stepmother, Beinash Batool, 30.
Sharif and Batool fled to Pakistan with Sara’s five siblings hours after her death but were detained upon their return to the UK in September 2023.
- Urfan Sharif, 43, received a life sentence with a minimum term of 40 years.
- Beinash Batool was also convicted of murder and sentenced to 33 years in prison.
- Sara’s uncle, Faisal Malik, 29, was found guilty of causing or allowing Sara’s death and sentenced to 16 years.
Solicitor General Refers Sentence for Review
The Solicitor General, Lucy Rigby MP, has referred Sharif’s sentence to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. A spokesperson for the Attorney General’s Office confirmed:
“It is now for the court to decide whether to increase the sentence.”
The development comes as Sharif, Batool, and Malik also seek to appeal their sentences.
A Mother’s Heartbreaking Testimony
In a victim impact statement, Sara’s mother, Olga Domin, described the devastating toll of her daughter’s death:
“Sara was always smiling; she had her own unique character. The only thing I had left to give to my daughter was a beautiful Catholic funeral. To this day, I can’t understand how someone can be such a sadist to a child.”
Domin, speaking via video-link from Poland, added that she is under constant psychological supervision and relies on sedatives to cope.
Judge’s Sentencing Remarks
During the sentencing, Mr. Justice Cavanagh said Sara’s death was the culmination of a “regime of terror.” He described Sharif’s actions as motivated by a desire for control and power:
“Sara was a brave, feisty, and spirited child. She stood up to you, and I have no doubt that your ego and sense of self-importance was boosted by the power you wielded over her.”
The judge also criticized Batool for prioritizing her own interests over saving Sara, and dismissed Malik’s defense as “preposterous.”
Prison Attack on Sharif
Sharif was reportedly attacked by two inmates at HMP Belmarsh on New Year’s Day, leaving him with severe cuts to his neck and face. The attackers, allegedly armed with a tuna tin lid, targeted him due to the nature of his crimes, according to prison sources.
Calls for Accountability
In addition to the sentence review, there are renewed calls to scrutinize family court cases involving Sara, with activists urging greater accountability for decisions made by judges.
The review of Sharif’s sentence is expected to bring further focus to a case that has shocked the nation, with many demanding justice that reflects the severity of the crime.
