LONDON: The trial of Urfan Sharif, the father of 10-year-old Sara Sharif, is continuing this week at the Old Bailey, with new testimonies from Sharif, along with Sara’s stepmother, Beinash Batool.

Sara was found dead at her home in Woking, Surrey, on Aug 10, 2023, with her body showing extensive injuries, which the prosecution claims are ‘evidence of ongoing abuse’.

In his defense, Urfan has denied any involvement in his daughter’s death, claiming that while he may have slapped Sara, he never inflicted serious harm.

He testified that upon discovering Sara’s condition, he attempted CPR and pleaded for an ambulance.

The defence also pointed to text messages from Batool to her sisters, which alleged that her husband had beaten Sara, with Urfan questioning the authenticity of these claims and saying he was often at work when the alleged abuse occurred.

Prosecutors allege Sara suffered extensive injuries over time, including burns and bite marks, attributed to systematic abuse. Urfan, however, portrayed Batool as potentially responsible for these injuries, emphasising her reluctance to provide dental impressions to compare with the bite marks found on Sara.

The prosecution highlighted inconsistencies in Urfan’s narrative, including his admission of fleeing to Pakistan and an initial willingness to “take the blame” for Sara’s death.

In response to accusations of abusive behaviour, Urfan provided details of his troubled relationship with Sara’s biological mother, Olga, describing past domestic violence incidents where he claimed he was the victim.

Each defendant, including Batool and Sara’s uncle Faisal Malik, deny all the charges against them.

Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2024