Urfan Sharif, who received a life sentence for the murder of his 10-year-old daughter Sara Sharif, was assaulted by fellow inmates at Belmarsh prison in south London. The 43-year-old suffered injuries to his throat and face after two inmates reportedly attacked him with a sharp tuna tin lid on New Year’s Day, as reported by *The Sun*.
“He was injured on the neck and face, and is still in healthcare and is in very poor condition,” a source disclosed to the news outlet, emphasizing that Sharif was fortunate to have survived the assault. He was provided with medical care within the prison. The attack occurred just weeks after he commenced his minimum 40-year sentence.
A spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police stated, “Police are investigating a report that a prisoner was assaulted at HMP Belmarsh on 1 January. The victim, a 43-year-old man, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. ”
Urfan Sharif, along with Sara’s stepmother, Beinash Batool, received life sentences last month after being convicted at the Old Bailey for Sara’s murder at their home in Woking, Surrey. Sharif was sentenced to a minimum of 40 years, while Batool was given a minimum of 33 years. Sara’s uncle, Faisal Malik, was sentenced to 16 years due to his involvement in her death.
On August 10, 2023, Sara Sharif’s remains were discovered at the family home in Surrey. Authorities revealed she had been killed two days earlier. A post-mortem examination revealed that Sara had sustained 71 external injuries, which included burns and bite marks, as well as 25 fractures, 11 of which affected her spine.
The convicted trio fled to Pakistan the day before Sara’s body was found, taking her five siblings with them. An international manhunt followed, and after avoiding capture for nearly four weeks, they returned to the UK, where they were arrested.
During sentencing, Judge Justice Cavanagh condemned their actions as “torture” and commented on their lack of remorse, stating that they displayed “not a shred of remorse. ” HMP Belmarsh, where the incident took place, is classified as a Category A prison and is known for housing some of the UK’s most notorious criminals.
A representative for the Prison Service chose not to provide additional comments regarding the incident, noting, “Police are investigating an assault on a prisoner at HMP Belmarsh on 1 January. It would be inappropriate to comment further while they investigate. ”
