The Tragic Death of Sara Sharif: A Family’s Trial and Investigation

Introduction

In a heartbreaking incident, the life of 10-year-old Sara Sharif came to an untimely end, leading to a trial for her father, Urfan Sharif, her stepmother Beinash Batool, and her uncle Faisal Malik. The three suspects, who had recently returned from Pakistan, appeared at the Old Bailey, facing charges related to Sara’s death. As the investigation continues to determine the cause of Sara’s demise, the court proceedings are scheduled to begin next fall.

The Court Proceedings and Charges

The defendants, Urfan Sharif, Beinash Batool, and Faisal Malik, made their initial court appearance via video link from custody. They are accused of both murder and causing or allowing the death of a child. During the hearing, prosecutor Giles Bedoe was informed that the post-mortem investigations are still ongoing to establish the exact cause of Sara’s death.

The registrar of London’s Court of Justice, Judge Mark Lucraft KC, set a plea hearing for December 1, followed by a six-week trial at the Old Bailey starting from September 2, 2024. The defendants were briefly heard during this session, with all three confirming their identities and dates of birth.

The Defendants and Their Detention

Urfan Sharif, aged 41, and Faisal Malik, aged 28, were remanded in custody at the high-security Belmarsh prison in south London. Beinash Batool, aged 29, who is Sara’s stepmother, was detained at Bronzefield prison in Surrey. The court has ordered that all three remain in custody until their next hearing.

The Investigation and Arrest

The tragic incident came to light after the discovery of Sara’s lifeless body under a blanket in a bunk bed at her home in Woking, Surrey, on August 10. The police launched an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Simultaneously, the three defendants had left the UK for Pakistan with five children.

Upon their return to the UK, Urfan Sharif, Beinash Batool, and Faisal Malik were arrested at Gatwick Airport. Notably, their flight to Pakistan had been booked two days before Sara’s body was found. The police had received a call from Pakistan in the early hours of August 10, which lasted over eight minutes. This call alerted the authorities to the ongoing tragedy.

The Findings of the Post-Mortem Examination

A post-mortem examination revealed that Sara had suffered “multiple and extensive injuries” over a “sustained and prolonged” period of time. The exact cause of her death is yet to be established. However, the examination showed that Sara had “healed fractures” and injuries that clearly indicate she had experienced “multiple events of violence.”

The investigation concluded that Sara’s death was a result of third party involvement, leading to the charges against her father, stepmother, and uncle. The court process will shed further light on the circumstances surrounding Sara’s tragic passing.

The Impact on the Community

Sara’s death has left the community in shock and mourning. Such incidents remind us of the importance of maintaining the safety and well-being of children. It calls for increased awareness and action to protect the vulnerable members of our society.

Conclusion

The trial of Urfan Sharif, Beinash Batool, and Faisal Malik for the death of 10-year-old Sara Sharif brings to the forefront the tragic consequences that can occur within families. As the court proceedings progress, the hope is that justice will be served and the truth of Sara’s untimely demise will be uncovered. In the wake of this heartbreaking incident, it is a reminder that we must remain vigilant in safeguarding the lives of children and promoting a society where they can thrive without fear.

Sara’s story is a painful reminder that child safety and well-being should be a top priority for all. Together, we can create a world where children can grow and flourish in a nurturing environment.

Summary

The tragic death of 10-year-old Sara Sharif has led to a trial for her father, Urfan Sharif, her stepmother Beinash Batool, and her uncle Faisal Malik. The three defendants recently returned from Pakistan and are facing charges related to Sara’s death. The court proceedings commenced with a video link appearance from the defendants, and post-mortem investigations are currently ongoing to determine the exact cause of Sara’s demise. The trial is set to begin in the fall, following a plea hearing scheduled for December 1, 2024. Sara’s death has left the community devastated, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and action to protect vulnerable children. This tragic incident serves as a reminder that child safety and well-being must always be a priority in society.

On Tuesday, Urfan Sharif, Sara’s stepmother Beinash Batool and uncle Faisal Malik appeared at the old bailey having returned from Pakistan face charges last week.

The three, who appeared via video link from custody, are accused of murdering Sara and causing or allowing the death of a child.

Prosecutor Giles Bedoe was informed that post-mortem investigations are continuing to establish how Sara died.

The registrar of LondonJudge Mark Lucraft KC, set a plea hearing for December 1 and a six-week trial at the Old Bailey from September 2, 2024 during the defendants’ brief first hearing at the Court of Justice. Crown.

Sharif, 41, Batool, 29, and Malik, 28, spoke only to confirm their identities and dates of birth.

The male defendants were in high-security Belmarsh prison, south London, and Batool, in Bronzefield prison, in Surrey.

All were remanded in custody until their next hearing.

Police had launched an investigation after Sara’s lifeless body was found under a blanket in a bunk bed at her home in Woking, Surrey, on August 10.

The day before, the three defendants left the UK for Pakistan with five children.

Last Wednesday the trio, from Hammond Road in Woking, returned to the UK and were arrested upon landing at Gatwick Airport.

At an earlier hearing before the magistrates’ court, the prosecution had outlined the events that led to the charges.

The police had been alerted by a call from Pakistan, which lasted eight minutes and 34 seconds, at 2:47 in the morning on August 10.

The defendants’ flight to Pakistan had been booked two days earlier, on August 8, the court was told.

Officers arrived at the property and found the young woman lying on her back and fully clothed under a blanket on a bunk bed in an upstairs bedroom.

She was identified using the DNA of her mother, Olga Sharif, who lives in Somerset, and another relative, the court was previously told.

A post-mortem examination later found that the young man had suffered “multiple and extensive injuries” over a “sustained and prolonged” period of time.

The court heard that the cause of her death has not yet been established, but that she had “healed fractures” and injuries that “clearly demonstrate” she had been subjected to “multiple events of violence.”

It is alleged that Sara died as a result of third party involvement.