Burnt, Bitten & Beaten: How A Father Tortured His 10-Year-Old Daughter & Ended Her Life

Trigger Warning: This story contains themes of violence, death, and murder. Reader discretion is advised. The content may not be suitable for all audiences, especially for parents.

On 10th August 2023, 10-year-old Sarah Sharif was found dead in her family’s residence in Woking Surrey, England. Sarah was a dreamy child who loved to sing and dance. Her dream was to be on X Factor, but, unfortunately, this dream will never come true now. 

Sarah’s body was covered with wounds, bruises, and bite marks. It was evident that the child was physically assaulted. But, who could do this to a 10-year-old, that too in her own home? The answer will give you goosebumps. It was her own father and stepmother who were found guilty of torturing the innocent child and brutally ending her life. 

Glimpses Of Sarah’s Life

Sarah was born on January 11, 2024, in Slough, Berkshire. Her father Urfan Sharif is a Pakistani Taxi Driver and her biological mother Olga is Polish. The couple had 2 children together, Sarah and her elder brother (born in 2010). In 2015, the couple parted ways which was followed by accusations of abuse made by them in the custody battle. The children moved in with their mother for some time. 

In 2019, Urfan was awarded the custody of his children, following which they started living in Horsell, Woking with their father, his wife Beinash Batool, his brother Faisal Malik and their step siblings. 

History Of Abuse 

During the investigation, their neighbours from Horsell told police that they often heard ‘shockingly loud’ sounds and screams coming from their house. The Sharifs then shifted to Hammond Road. 

In an interview with Sky News, their new neighbour Judith shared that she had a feeling that Sarah was treated like a servant and she was made to do household chores and look after the other children, things that no 10-year-old should be doing. "I never saw her smile. I never saw her running, laughing or anything in the garden with the others." she added. 

Olga didn’t want her children to be raised as Muslims but she hardly had any contact with them after they shifted with their father. In April 2023, Sarah was taken out of primary school after she was bullied for wearing a headcover or hijab. However, prosecutors alleged that the little girl was made to wear a hijab to cover her injuries. Her teacher spotted the same and informed social services, but the case was closed within a week. 

Sarah’s Friends & Teachers

Sarah’s school friend shared that whenever she went to her place, the bedroom doors used to be locked. According to her Sarah was ‘very happy and outgoing’ and used to tell her that when she grows up, she’ll go to Los Angeles and become a model.

She revealed that Sarah once came to school with cuts and bruises on her face. On being asked, she told her friend that she had fallen off her bike. 

Sarah’s teacher Miss Chambers described her as a “very caring and very confident little girl with the cutest, biggest smile…She was such a cheerful soul and I think that's what's really heartbreaking. She was such a special little soul," 

"I don't think I have ever felt so much sadness and I say that on behalf of all of the staff and the community. I think the shock was just immense," she added.

Sarah’s Injuries 

It was revealed that Sarah had more than 70 injuries ranging from moderate to severe, including bite marks, fractures, iron burns, scalding from hot water and brain bleeds. The cause of death was found to be multiple injuries and neglect. 

It is quite clear that every member of the family was responsible for what had happened since it had been going on for a long time and no one raised a voice. It wouldn’t have been possible without the assistance and involvement of others. A 10-year-old's body had sustained so many horrendous injuries that even the police were shocked. 

Urfan’s Confession

Urfan initially told police that he was at work when it happened, putting all the blame on his wife. Later he confessed, taking full responsibility for the murder. 

He told the jury how he hit her with a cricket bat after binding her with a tape. He then throttled her and hit her on the head multiple times with a phone, ultimately whacking her with a metal pole which ended her life. He denied that he had bitten his daughter or burnt her. The other two suspects, Batool and Faisal, refrained from giving their dental imprints for investigation. 

On 11 December 2024, Urfan Sharif and his wife Batool were found guilty of Sarah’s murder. Faisal was not charged with murder, however, he was found guilty of causing and allowing her death. All three will be sentenced on December 17, 2024.