Sara Sharif’s father has accepted “full responsibility” for her death, a court has heard.
Her father Urfan Sharif, 42, stepmother Beinash Batool, 30, and uncle, Faisal Malik, 29, had denied murder after Sara’s body was found with dozens of injuries at the family’s home in Woking, Surrey, last year.
Under cross-examination at the Old Bailey, Mr Sharif said: “She died because of me.”
The court previously heard that Sara was hooded, burned and beaten during more than two years of abuse.
Jurors were previously told Mr Sharif’s case was that Ms Batool was responsible for Sara’s death, and he made a false confession in a phone call and also in a note to protect his wife.
But on Wednesday, as the court day was getting underway, Mr Sharif unexpectedly said: “I admit what I said in my phone call and my written note. Every single word.”
Background
Sara Sharif was a 10-year-old girl who tragically lost her life in August 2023.
Her body was found at her family’s residence in Woking, Surrey, England, with evidence of extensive injuries.
The investigation that followed revealed that Sara had suffered over 70 injuries, including fractures, burns, and human bite marks.
Sara’s father, Urfan Sharif, her stepmother Beinash Batool, and her uncle Faisal Malik were identified as suspects and fled to Pakistan.
However, they were later arrested upon their return to the UK and charged with murder.
