Report Condemns Father’s and Stepmother’s Custody of Murdered Sara Sharif
An independent report has condemned the custody of 10-year-old Sara Sharif by her father, Urfan Sharif, and stepmother, Beinash Batool. The report highlights serious failures within the child protection system that contributed to her tragic death.
Background on Sara Sharif’s Case
Sara Sharif was murdered in August 2023 after enduring systematic abuse. Her body, discovered by authorities, exhibited signs of severe trauma, including fractures, bruises, and burns. The investigation revealed that Sara had been subjected to physical violence using various instruments, including a cricket bat and a metal pole.
Failures of the Child Protection System
The report criticizes multiple agencies, stating, “the system failed Sara.” It revealed that Sara had a history with social services from birth, being placed in foster care twice by age three. Despite this knowledge, authorities overlooked evidence of ongoing abuse.
Key Findings from the Report
- Urfan Sharif was known as a “serial perpetrator of domestic abuse,” but this information was largely disregarded.
- A 2019 court decision granted Urfan custody despite prior allegations of abuse.
- After a primary school reported visible bruising in spring 2023, social services closed the case within six days.
- The report indicated inadequate information sharing among agencies and insufficient consideration of cultural and linguistic needs.
Recommendations for Improvement
The report included 15 recommendations aimed at strengthening the safeguarding of at-risk children. These included:
- Closing loopholes related to the withdrawal of at-risk children from schools.
- Training safeguarding teams to better understand the behaviors of domestic abusers.
- Ensuring that cultural, racial, and linguistic factors are appropriately evaluated in safeguarding decisions.
Response from Authorities
The Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership acknowledged the report’s findings and pledged to develop a joint action plan. Terence Herbert, chief executive of Surrey County Council, expressed deep regret and affirmed a commitment to implement the recommendations.
Sentences of the Perpetrators
Urfan Sharif was sentenced to a minimum of 40 years in prison, while Beinash Batool received a 33-year sentence. Additionally, Sara’s uncle, Faisal Malik, was sentenced to 16 years for his role in her death.
Conclusion
The tragic case of Sara Sharif serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and reform in child protection practices. Ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable children must remain a priority for all involved agencies.
