Dad told police he killed Sara Sharif, court hears

The tragic case of 10-year-old Sara Sharif continues to unfold as her father, Urfan Sharif, admitted to killing her in a call to police from Pakistan shortly after the family fled the UK. The confession came on 10 August 2023, just an hour after the family’s flight landed in Islamabad, according to statements made at the Old Bailey.
Mr. Sharif, along with his wife Beinash Batool and brother Faisal Malik, are on trial for Sara’s murder, charges they all deny. Prosecutors have argued that Sara had been subjected to severe physical abuse for weeks leading up to her death. She reportedly sustained dozens of injuries, including bruises, burns, and broken bones, both old and new.
In the call, Mr. Sharif claimed that he had “legally punished” Sara for being “naughty” but insisted that her death was not intentional, admitting that he “beat her up too much.” Additionally, a note found beside Sara’s body, written by Mr. Sharif, mirrored this confession, stating that he was responsible for her death but did not intend to kill her.

Urfan Sharif, Beinash Batool and Faisal Malik are each facing two charges relating to the death of Sara Sharif
Prosecutors, however, argue that Sara’s abuse had been “appalling and brutal,” far beyond a mere beating. Sara was discovered in her home in Surrey, lying under covers on a bottom bunk bed, as if she were asleep, but was already deceased.
All three defendants are also facing charges of causing or allowing the death of a child, which they also deny. The prosecution contends that it is “inconceivable” that the abuse could have occurred without the knowledge and complicity of all three defendants. None of them reported Sara’s abuse to authorities, according to the prosecution.
The trial is ongoing.