Father Denies Killing Sara Sharif, Claims Wife ‘True Villain’ as Disturbing Details Emerge in Court

Hi and welcome to this Video Production News Trial Update.

As this trial unfolds, Urfan Sharif has now taken the stand, fully denying involvement in his daughter Sara’s death while casting blame on his wife and revising earlier statements made after fleeing to Pakistan.

In the ongoing trial of Sara Sharif’s father, Urfan Sharif, his wife Beinash Batool and his brother Faisal Malik the court heard Sharif deny any responsibility for his daughter's death. Sharif formally a local mini-cab driver stated that he neither inflicted fatal injuries on his daughter nor struck her with objects like a cricket bat or pole. Under cross-examination by his barrister, Imran Mian KC, Sharif repeatedly denied claims of abuse, describing only an incident in October 2022 when he allegedly slapped Sara twice on her bottom. Mian asked, “Are you responsible for the death of Sara Sharif?” Sharif firmly replied, “No.” He went on to deny accusations of biting, burning, or physically assaulting Sara.

Tearfully, Sharif described his daughter as a “bubbly and very lovely” child with dreams of becoming a ballet dancer, explaining her love of guitar and singing. When questioned about his relationship with his partner, Batool Sharif, Sharif asserted that Batool had a violent disposition, labeling her the “true villain.” He claimed Batool had assaulted him in 2016, allegedly hitting him with a lemon squeezer and leaving him unconscious during an argument, after which he was hospitalized. According to Sharif, this was prompted by Batool discovering that he had given money to Sara's biological mother, Olga. Describing the altercation, Sharif stated that Batool had “twisted his arm” and struck his head, later continuing the assault until he lost consciousness.

The court also heard that Sharif pleaded guilty in 2014 to a theft charge, involving £1,700 taken from his then-employer, McDonald's, but that he had no other criminal record. His ongoing custody battle with Olga reportedly fueled the turbulence in his personal life. All defendants, including Batool Sharif and Malik Sharif, continue to deny charges of murder and causing or allowing the death of a child.

Sharif’s defense took a notable shift when he addressed his flight to Pakistan shortly after Sara’s death. Previously, Sharif had called Surrey Police from Pakistan, allegedly confessing that he had “legally punished” Sara, which led to her death. He left behind a written note suggesting guilt. However, Sharif’s current statements before the court sharply contradict these actions, as he now attributes responsibility to Batool.

ACCESS TO THE LAW: Understanding the Crime and Sentencing

As part of our campaign to improve citizens’ access and understanding of UK Criminal law, we will be explaining the relevant UK legislation surrounding any case law relevant to our articles:

In UK criminal law, the validity and admissibility of evidence play crucial roles in ensuring a fair trial. The fact that Sharif fled the country and issued an initial verbal confession may influence perceptions of credibility, but these factors alone are not determinative.

Statements made outside the courtroom, classified as hearsay, are generally inadmissible unless deemed crucial by the judge for establishing the context or mental state at the time. In this case, Sharif’s confession made in Pakistan could be weighed in light of the entire body of evidence, but only after rigorous judicial scrutiny. This legal framework underscores the principle that actions and statements alone do not equate to guilt; each piece of evidence must be verified, contextualized, and judged accordingly.

Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.

Bénédict Tarot Freeman

Editor-at-Large

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