Sara Sharif was 10 years old when she tragically died after years of torture at the hands of those who should have cared for her most, but behind the torment was a brilliantly bubbly school girl with big dreams. Heartbreakingly, the light she brought into the world was extinguished in the most brutal of ways. But the young schoolgirl will always be remembered as more than just a murder victim, as she was a bright, talented and 'sassy' girl with heaps of ambitions for the future.
Today, her father, Urfan Sharif, 42, step-mother Beinash Batool, 30, and uncle, Faisal Malik, 29, have been sentenced at the Old Bailey, with Sharif and Batool jailed for life. Sharif will serve a minimum of 40 years behind bars and Batool a minimum of 33 years, while Malik - who lived with them - will serve at least 16 years.
Handing down sentencing today, Mr Justice Cavanagh said Sara was treated "as if she was worthless" and that neither her father nor step-mother had "any concern for her happiness". It comes days after Sara's mother, Olga Sharif, paid tribute to her 'beautiful' daughter who had an 'angelic voice' and 'unique character'.
The distraught mother said: "My dear Sara, I ask God to please take care of my little girl, she was taken too soon. Sara had beautiful brown eyes and an angelic voice. Sara's smile could brighten up the darkest room. Everyone who knew Sara will know her unique character, her beautiful smile and loud laugh. She will always be in our hearts, her laughter will bring warmth to our lives. We miss Sara very much. Love you Princess.".
