BEINASH BATOOL SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON IN LONDON FOR CHILD'S MURDER

On December 17, 2024, the father and stepmother of 10-year-old Sara Sharif were sentenced to life imprisonment at The Central Criminal Court in London after being convicted of her murder. Sara’s father, Urfan Sharif, 42, was ordered to serve a minimum of 40 years, whereas her stepmother, Beinash Batool, 30, received a minimum term of 33 years. Additionally, Sara’s uncle, Faisal Malik, 29, was sentenced to 16 years in prison after being found guilty of causing or allowing her death.

All three defendants were convicted on December 11 following a 10-week trial. Justice John Cavanagh, who delivered the judgment, described Sara as a “beautiful little girl” with a “full of personality” demeanor. He praised her as a “very courageous little girl” with an “unquenchable spirit,” noting her love for singing and dancing.

Justice Cavanagh emphasized caution in language, warning against overusing the term “torture,” yet he stated, “Is it no exaggeration to describe the campaign of abuse against Sara as torture?” He described the treatment Sara endured as “nothing short of gruesome,” with cruelty that was “almost inconceivable.”

The judge also remarked that none of the defendants had shown genuine remorse, adding, “nothing I can do will provide recompense for the loss of this young child’s life.” He referenced changes in Sharif’s testimony during the trial, where he shifted blame from Batool to admitting he had beaten Sara but did not mean to kill her. Cavanagh criticized this as “no more than a ploy,” noting Sharif’s continued concealment of the severity of his cruelty.

Turning to Beinash Batool, Justice Cavanagh stated, “You were prepared to sacrifice Sara because you did not want to lose your other children. Put bluntly, you did not care enough about Sara to save her.”

He also pointed out that Faisal Malik should have recognized that what was happening to Sara was “dangerous and wrong,” yet he took “absolutely no steps to protect her.”

Sara’s mother, Olga Domin, read a victim impact statement in court, describing Sara as “always smiling” with her “own unique character.” She said, “The only thing I had left to give my daughter was a beautiful Catholic funeral she deserves. Sara is not far from home, and she is visited every day with candles and flowers. She is now an angel who looks down on us from heaven, no longer experiencing violence.” She expressed her disbelief at the cruelty inflicted on her daughter, lamenting that Sara was taken too soon, saying, “I hoped we would meet when she grew up, but now it won't happen.”

Sara’s body was discovered in the early hours of August 10, 2023, at her family’s home on Hammond Road, Woking, after her father, Urfan Sharif, called police admitting he had killed her and left her there. A note found beside her body in Sharif’s handwriting claimed responsibility for her death.

The call was made after Sharif, Batool, and Malik had left the UK for Pakistan with five of Sara’s siblings, aged between 1 and 13 at the time. During an eight-and-a-half-minute call, Sharif told the police he had “panicked and left home,” admitting he had “beaten her up too much,” but insisting it was not his intention to kill her. He refused to disclose his whereabouts or mention that the family had flown to Islamabad the night before Sara’s body was found.

It was later revealed that Batool had booked the one-way tickets for herself, Sharif, Malik, and the five children on August 8, 2023—the day Sara is believed to have died.

The post-mortem examination indicated Sara died from complications related to multiple injuries and neglect. Experts found approximately 100 different injuries, both internal and external, including a traumatic brain injury, fractured bones, extensive bruising, scarring, burns—including one inflicted with a domestic iron—and human bite marks. Many injuries resulted from the use of implements such as a cricket bat, a vacuum cleaner, and a metal pole. Evidence also suggested she was restrained and her head covered with homemade hoods fashioned from parcel tape and plastic bags during some of the abuse.

An investigation by Surrey Police and Sussex Police Major Crime Team involved collaboration with Interpol, the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office, the National Crime Agency, the Crown Prosecution Service, and Pakistani authorities to locate Sharif, Batool, and Malik.

On September 13, 2023, all three returned to the UK from Pakistan. They were arrested upon arrival at Gatwick Airport on suspicion of Sara’s murder and causing or allowing her death. They were charged two days later with these offences.

The defendants appeared at The Central Criminal Court on December 14, 2023, pleading not guilty. Sharif, who was the only defendant to testify, initially blamed Batool but later claimed full responsibility during the trial, asserting he had beaten Sara but did not intend to kill her, denying involvement in her bite or burn injuries.

Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Chapman, leading the investigation, said, “The father and stepmother of 10-year-old Sara Sharif have today been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of her murder. Her uncle was sentenced to 16 years’ imprisonment after being found guilty of causing or allowing her death.

Sara was a bright, lively girl who loved singing and dancing. On behalf of Surrey Police, I extend my deepest condolences to her mother, Olga, her siblings, and everyone who knew and loved her. Despite her young age, her spirit and resilience shone through the horrific circumstances she endured.

He continued, “Sara’s life was tragically cut short due to brutal abuse inflicted by her father and stepmother, with her uncle doing nothing to prevent it. This case has shocked and horrified many, both within and outside the community.

“Since discovering Sara’s body following Sharif’s call, Surrey Police has worked tirelessly to build a case proving the involvement of all three in her death. This has been one of the most difficult and distressing cases handled by Surrey Police. I thank those who provided information and evidence, often under harrowing conditions, and the jury for their careful deliberation.

“I also thank the National Crime Agency, CPS, FCDO, Interpol, and Pakistani authorities for their support in this complex investigation. We will now work with partner agencies on a Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review to learn from any shortcomings.

“The injuries and abuse Sara suffered during her brief life are profoundly disturbing.”

Rick Jones, Deputy Director of International at the National Crime Agency, added, “Sara Sharif’s life was taken in truly horrific circumstances at the hands of those meant to care for her. Our thoughts remain with her mother and loved ones. The dedicated efforts of NCA officers and international partners—including Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency—were vital in securing justice for Sara. I thank the Pakistani authorities for their essential support that contributed to the successful prosecution of her killers.”