The brutal crime, carried out with exceptional violence against the child, shocked public opinion in the UK, Poland, and many other countries worldwide.
The investigation revealed that the girl had been subjected to horrific abuse by her father and stepmother for two years before her death. The autopsy revealed over 70 injuries on Sara’s body, including burn marks, scalding from hot water, and numerous fractures.
The accused initially denied the charges, but during the trial, Urfan Sharif admitted to beating his daughter, although he denied intending to kill her.
Sara Sharif's tragic death sparks global debate on child protection
A neighbor from Surrey, a county in southeastern England, testified that she frequently heard loud sounds of beatings and the girl's terrifying screams.
According to BBC reports, among the tools used to inflict abuse were a rolling pin, a cricket bat, a belt, and a metal rod.
After the murder, the father and stepmother fled to Pakistan but were arrested upon returning to the UK at Gatwick Airport in August 2023.
Following the trial, the verdict announced on December 11, 2024, found Urfan Sharif and Beinash Batool guilty of the murder of the girl, while Sara’s uncle, Faisal Malik, was convicted of causing or allowing the death of the child.
Sara's father, and Beinash Batool, Sara's stepmother, were found guilty of murder. Sara's uncle, Faisal Malik, was found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child (photo: Surrey Police)
Sara Sharif – daughter of a Polish mother and Pakistani father
Sara’s mother was Polish, Olga Sharif, who lost custody of her daughter in 2019. A family court decision placed Sara in the custody of her father.
According to The Telegraph and other British media outlets, the judge and social workers who approved Sara Sharif's father's custody of her have been granted anonymity.
This case of brutal child abuse has shaken societies worldwide, sparking an international discussion on the need for swift action by authorities in response to early warning signs of aggression toward children, who cannot defend themselves against the harmful behavior of adults.
Sara's body was discovered on August 10, 2023, and while the initial autopsy on August 15 couldn't determine the cause of death, it revealed that she had endured multiple, severe injuries over a prolonged period (photo: Surrey Police)
Source: Surrey Police/PAP/BBC/TVN24/The Telegraph
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