Sara Sharif, a 10-year-old girl, was found dead in her home in Woking, Surrey, in August 2022, suffering from multiple severe injuries.

Three family members—her father Urfan Sharif, stepmother Beinash Batool, and uncle Faisal Malik—have been charged with her murder after returning to the UK in September 2023.

The murder trials for Urfan, Batool, and Malik commenced at the Old Bailey, where evidence of Sara's mistreatment was presented.

Sara's post-mortem examination revealed extensive injuries indicative of ongoing abuse, although the exact cause of death was initially undetermined.

She was discovered under a blanket with numerous injuries, including bruising, burns, and broken bones, after Urfan called the police claiming he had 'legally punished' her.

During an emergency call, Urfan described his actions as a 'legal punishment' and insisted he did not intend to kill her.

A note in Urfan's handwriting found near Sara's body confessed to the killing and expressed fear about fleeing, stating he was 'scared'.

Sara's blood was found on various household items, including a vacuum cleaner and a cricket bat, suggesting violence had occurred in the home.

Text messages from Batool indicated she was aware of the abuse, expressing concern for Sara and accusing Urfan of beating her.

Each defendant has shifted blame onto one another, denying personal responsibility for the violence against Sara.

The trial is ongoing, with further evidence and testimonies expected to be presented, and is anticipated to last two months.

Prosecutors argue that all three defendants were complicit in the abuse and failed to report it, making it unlikely that any one of them acted alone.