‘Fever pitch’ screaming and father’s history of violence: The red flags before Sara Sharif’s tragic death Neighbours and Sara’s teachers had raised concerns, while social services were aware of Urfan Sharif’s alleged history of domestic violence.
Social services, police and the family courts all knew about past accusations of abuse levelled at Sharif but they went “absolutely nowhere” and did not prevent him from gaining custody of Sara.
We spread love all around the world.” Those were the words scribbled by 10-year-old Sara Sharif in her red notebook, suggesting that the schoolgirl enjoyed a happy childhood with her father and stepmother.
Nothing could have prepared jurors however for details of the obscene level of violence inflicted upon the little girl, who was repeatedly beaten, burnt and bitten during the final months of her life.
The two people who should have ensured her safety have now been found guilty of her murder, with Batool and Sharif facing life sentences.
