Urfan Sharif, the father of ten-year-old murder victim Sara Sharif, was reportedly attacked on New Year's Day by two inmates at Belmarsh Prison. The incident occurred just weeks after Sharif was sentenced to life imprisonment for his daughter's brutal murder, drawing significant attention from the public and media alike.
According to reports, Sharif, 43, suffered serious injuries from the assault, as he was attacked with the jagged lid of a tuna can. Sources revealed he endured severe cuts to his neck and face, requiring immediate medical attention and treatment within the prison hospital. "He was sliced in the neck and face, and is still in healthcare and in a very bad way," stated one source.
Authorities have confirmed the incident, with the Prison Service issuing a statement saying, "Police are investigating an assault on a prisoner at HMP Belmarsh on January 1. It would be inappropriate to comment more at this time due to the investigation." The Metropolitan Police have also noted they are assessing the assault on the 43-year-old inmate.
Sharif's violent past likely contributed to the animosity he faced from fellow inmates. He was recently convicted of murdering his daughter, Sara, who suffered horrific abuse leading to her untimely death. Reports indicate he inflicted unimaginable pain on Sara, who was subjected to repeated beatings, burns, and even biting over two years, culminating tragically on August 10, 2023. The trial revealed the extent of Sharif's cruelty, with Judge Cavanagh stating, "The degree of cruelty involved is almost inconceivable."
During the sentencing, it was revealed how Sara had at least 71 injuries, including 25 fractures, as well as burn marks and human bite marks. The horrific details of her demise shocked the courtroom and the public, highlghting the severe neglect and abuse she faced under her father's and stepmother's care.
Sharif was sentenced to serve a minimum of 40 years, with his wife, Beinash Batool, receiving 33 years for their involvement. Sara's uncle, Faisal Malik, was also convicted, receiving 16 years for causing or allowing her death.
The brutal nature of Sara's treatment and subsequent murder drew widespread outrage, with many questioning how her suffering had gone unnoticed by authorities for so long. Upon investigation, it was uncovered there were at least 15 missed opportunities by social services and police to intervene and protect Sara from her abusive family environment.
Witnesses described how, even from a young age, Sara often appeared bruised and fearful, with one former neighbor recalling the alarming screams emanated from their household. Teachers also reported instances where Sara exhibited signs of distress, yet failed attempts to reach out to social services repeatedly fell short.
After the attack, sources within the prison suggested the assault was anticipated since inmates usually have little tolerance for those convicted of crimes against children. "It was planned and they used a makeshift weapon," stated another inmate who spoke to reporters. Many inmates have commented on Sharif's presence, stating: "It couldn’t have happened to a more deserving guy." This sentiment resonates within the prison household where violent crimes against children are often viewed with utmost contempt.
Despite surviving the attack, Sharif's long-term health and well-being may remain compromised, as he continues to recuperate from the injuries sustained during the ambush. The extent of the assault has raised questions not only about prison safety but also about how justice mechanisms can fail their own when the crimes committed are of such morally abhorrent nature.
Sharif's continued imprisonment within one of the UK’s most notorious Category A prisons, Belmarsh, where he shares quarters with dangerous criminals, has left many believing his fate is precarious. Some inmates have even likened the attack to poetic justice, with many asserting it was only inevitable considering the horrific murder charge he faces.
While the investigation is underway, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of all inmates within the system whilst addressing broader societal failings surrounding child abuse and systemic shortcomings noted during Sara's case. The legacy of Sara Sharif's case continues to ripple across communities and justice systems alike, stirring deep emotions surrounding victim protection, enforcement of laws, and societal responsibility.
With the depth of suffering Sara endured at the hands of her father and stepmother now laid bare, the story serves as an unsettling reminder of the horrors existing behind closed doors, exposing urgent needs for reform within child protective services and criminal justice systems. With the fallout from the attack on Urfan Sharif serving as yet another chapter, this tragic case calls for preventative measures and reforms to safeguard future generations from similar fates.