The Tragic Case of Sara Sharif

Happy New Year to you all – I hope the new term is off to a promising start for everyone.

Before Christmas, I found myself in the media several times in one week, discussing the tragic case of little Sara Sharif. Her story is both heartbreaking and unimaginable. Her resilience, enduring so much, is nothing short of extraordinary, though it’s devastating that it had to be tested in such cruel circumstances.

Once again, we are reminded of the persistent failings within multi-agency systems. When collaboration, curiosity, and proactive intervention are lacking, preventable tragedies occur. Despite repeated inquiries and calls for lessons to be learned, meaningful change remains elusive

Marilyn Hawes of Freedom From Abuse comments on this disturbing case

Victoria Climbié

Cases like Victoria Climbié are still fresh in my mind, where over 100 professionals were involved, yet it was a taxi driver who acted decisively, albeit too late, to save her. These failures are not new, and after over 23 years working in the field of child protection, I find it deeply frustrating that the same issues persist.

The background to the case

Urfan Sharif and Beinash Batool were found guilty of murdering Sara Sharif after a ten-week trial. The jury heard how Sara endured a “campaign of abuse” before her death. At the Central Criminal Court today, Sharif received a life sentence with a minimum term of 40 years, while Batool was sentenced to a minimum of 33 years.

Sara’s uncle, Faisal Malik, who also lived in the family home, was convicted of causing or allowing the death of a child. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

The prosecution argued that Sara was deliberately killed by her father and stepmother, with Malik complicit in enabling the circumstances leading to her death. Evidence presented to the jury revealed that Sara had been subjected to sustained physical abuse over weeks, resulting in injuries such as fractures, burns, bruises, and a severe head injury. The postmortem concluded that Sara’s death resulted from complications of multiple injuries and neglect, although no singular cause of death could be determined.

Pressures on social workers

I understand the immense pressures on social workers, including staff shortages and heavy caseloads. However, the need for strong management and oversight cannot be overstated. It’s troubling to see remote working becoming more common in a profession that thrives on teamwork and close supervision. How many more children must suffer before we collectively go beyond the limits of job remits to act with compassion, common sense, and urgency, even when it means stepping outside rigid policies and flowcharts?

In Sara’s case, responsibility lies with many: her father and stepmother, the family court, and every professional involved, including the school. This is a moment to reflect and act. The school had reportedly observed bruises—an undeniable red flag—and later saw her removed for home schooling. While home education can be wonderful when done with good intentions, it can also serve as a cover for abuse. Oversight in such situations is critical.

Cultural sensitivity and awareness

Cultural sensitivity and awareness are essential, but they must not inhibit action. For instance, Sara’s school staff might have hesitated to act when she began wearing a hijab, yet professional curiosity is key. In my own experience as a deputy head, I remember a child who seemed malnourished and withdrawn. By asking questions and following my instincts, I ensured he received medical attention. That’s what we must all strive for—acting decisively when something feels wrong.

Cultural beliefs and practices, such as respect for hierarchical family structures, should never excuse harm. Communities often retain traditions when living abroad, and while this can enrich society, it can also pose risks. Greater efforts are needed to educate and integrate communities to ensure children are protected from harmful practices such as FGM or honor-based violence.

This is not about singling out any group—it’s about safeguarding children everywhere. It’s about having the courage to ask questions, raise concerns, and follow through. The job of every professional in child protection is not just to fulfill policies but to prevent harm and save lives.

Let's all be upstanders, not bystanders, in 2025 and beyond.

Have a good new year,

Marilyn Hawes

January 2025

Sara passed away at her family home in Woking, Surrey, on 8 August 2023. The following day, Beinash Batool contacted a travel agency to arrange flights to Pakistan. Urfan Sharif subsequently booked one-way tickets, citing an urgent need to attend a relative’s funeral.

On 10 August, Sharif called UK police from Pakistan, admitting he had “legally punished” Sara and that she had died. He later confessed to physically beating her but claimed he did not intend to kill her.

When officers arrived at the family home, they found Sara’s body along with a note written by Sharif, in which he confessed to the killing, stating he had “lost it.” The family returned to the UK on 13 September 2023 and were arrested upon arrival.