A UK court is set to sentence the father and stepmother of 10-year-old Sara Sharif, whose death in August 2023 shocked the nation due to the horrific abuse she endured. Sara was found lifeless in her bed, with over 100 injuries, including broken bones, bites, and burn marks.

The Brutal Death of Sara Sharif
Sara’s post-mortem revealed that she suffered from more than 100 injuries, including at least 25 broken bones. Her father, Urfan Sharif, 43, admitted to beating her with a cricket bat while she was bound with tape. He also throttled her with his hands, causing fatal damage to her neck.

Her stepmother, Beinash Batool, 30, and her father’s uncle, Faisal Malik, 29, were found guilty of causing or allowing her death after a 10-week trial at the Old Bailey. The court revealed that Sara’s brutal treatment had been overlooked by social services, despite multiple warning signs.

Escape to Pakistan and Return to the UK
The day after Sara’s death, her father, Urfan Sharif, fled with his family to Pakistan, leaving behind a note claiming he had not intended to kill his daughter. After a month on the run, the family was arrested upon returning to the UK. The five other children in the family remain in Pakistan.

Failings of Social Services and Child Welfare
Sara’s case highlights the failure of social services to intervene in time. Despite being removed from school due to injuries, Sara’s treatment went unnoticed. She had been previously in and out of foster care, and her father had gained custody in 2019, despite a history of abuse.

In March 2023, Sara’s school reported visible injuries to social services, but no action was taken. In April 2023, after the family moved, Urfan Sharif informed the school that Sara would be homeschooled.

Public Outrage and Calls for Reform
Following the conviction, Libby Clark from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) expressed outrage, stating that no one could fathom the brutality Sara suffered in her final weeks. Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza also condemned the failure of social services, stating that Sara was “invisible” to them despite being known to child care services before her birth.

Government Response
Sara Sharif’s death follows a series of child cruelty cases that have triggered public revulsion. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to enhance safeguards for home-schooled children and prevent further tragedies.

Key Points:

• Sara Sharif’s death due to severe abuse.
• Father and stepmother found guilty of causing or allowing her death.
• Social services failure to protect Sara despite warning signs.
• Public outrage and calls for stricter safeguards for home-schooled children.