A child's cries unheard: The trial of Sara Sharif's father
A cricket bat, or even a rolling pin, might have been used to beat 10-year-old Sara Sharif from the United Kingdom. A trial has commenced on the island for the girl's father, who is one of those accused of murder. The 10-year-old was also reported to have started wearing a hijab to conceal injuries on her face and head.
This is a story of such cruelty that it has resonated globally. In August 2023, the police discovered the body of a 10-year-old girl in one of the houses. The report was made by the 42-year-old father, Urfan Sharif, who fled with his partner and Sara's uncle to Pakistan. The trio was brought before the British court. The deceased's relatives deny the charges of murder and causing the child's death.
The death of Sara Sharif: details from the trial
On Tuesday, 15th October, the trial of the girl's father began. Investigators revealed shocking findings. According to the "Daily Mail," report, the police found, among other things, blood in the kitchen. Sara's DNA was also found on a cricket bat and rolling pin. Traces of violence were discovered in a dollhouse in the garden. A piece of black rope with the girl's hair was found in the shed. Pieces of plastic bags were stained with Sara's blood and saliva. Urfan Sharif's fingerprints were on them.
During the court session, it was reported that the girl had multiple bruises, burns, bite marks, stab wounds, abrasions, and blunt force trauma injuries. She sustained 11 fractures to her spine, ribs, collarbone, hand, and shoulder blade.
According to "Daily Mail," since January 2023, Sara started wearing a hijab to hide injuries on her face and head. Teachers noticed bruises under her eyes and on her chin, but the girl gave conflicting stories, concealing the real reasons for their formation. Eventually, in April 2023, her father decided to withdraw her from school.
Neighbours reportedly heard terrifying screams coming from the house of the Pakistani family. One day before the murder, one neighbour heard a loud scream followed by silence. However, no one reported it to the authorities because, according to local residents, the girl appeared to be well-dressed, and they did not notice any injuries.
It was reported that the day after the murder and before fleeing, the family removed the home camera.
Just think for a moment about what Sara must have endured to be tied up with tape. If this was done by one of the adults, why did others not intervene? Why didn't others help her and prevent the terrible treatment? - prosecutor Jones asked, addressing the jurors.
Before the trial began, the father reportedly said in a telephone conversation that the girl was naughty, so he punished her. He added that he did not intend to kill her.
