Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Video shows Sara Sharif dancing days before her death

The footage, dated 6 August 2023, was recorded at her home in Woking, Surrey, four days before her body was found with extensive injuries.

Video shows Sara Sharif dancing days before her death

JURORS at the Old Bailey were shown a video of ten-year-old Sara Sharif dancing at her family home just days before her death.

The footage, dated 6 August 2023, was recorded at her home in Woking, Surrey, four days before her body was found with extensive injuries, reported the BBC.


Sara’s father, Urfan Sharif, 42, her stepmother, Beinash Batool, 30, and her uncle, Faisal Malik, 29, deny charges of murder and causing or allowing the death of a child.

The court heard that Sara had endured more than two years of abuse, suffering injuries including burns, probable bite marks, and scalding.

Dr Nathaniel Cary, who conducted the post-mortem, testified that Sara displayed no signs of brain injury at the time the video was recorded.

He described her as "co-ordinated, alert and smiling" in the footage. Under cross-examination, Dr Cary agreed that Sara was "moving remarkably well" despite her skeletal injuries.

A bloodstained cricket bat, a rolling pin with Sara’s DNA, a metal pole, a belt, and a rope were reportedly found near the family’s outhouse, according to the prosecution.

The defendants allegedly fled to Islamabad, Pakistan, on 9 August 2023, the day after Sara’s death. Prosecutors said that Sharif called UK police from Pakistan, admitting to having "beaten her too much." However, his defence claims that Batool was responsible for Sara’s death and that his confession was to protect her.

On 13 September, the three were arrested at Gatwick Airport upon their return from Dubai. Body camera footage shown in court captured Batool telling officers, “I think you’re looking for us.”

The trial is ongoing

More For You

The meeting between Trump and William took place at the UK ambassador's residence in Paris after the event. (Photo: Getty Images)
The meeting between Trump and William took place at the UK ambassador's residence in Paris after the event. (Photo: Getty Images)

Trump meets Prince William at Notre Dame reopening

US president-elect Donald Trump met Prince William on Saturday during the reopening ceremony of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

The event marked the restoration of the historic landmark following a major fire in 2019.

Keep ReadingShow less
Princess of Wales hosts emotional Christmas service
Kate attends the "Together At Christmas" Carol Service" at Westminster Abbey in London on December 6, 2024. (Photo by ISABEL INFANTES/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Princess of Wales hosts emotional Christmas service

PRINCESS OF WALES, Kate Middleton, hosted a Christmas service at Westminster Abbey on Friday (6) that reflected on "the most difficult times" as she returns to public life after her cancer diagnosis.

The London carol service intended to "reflect upon the importance of love and empathy, and how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives", according to Kensington Palace office.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rotherham sexual assault convict to be released from prison: report
Banaras Hussain

Rotherham sexual assault convict to be released from prison: report

A MAN convicted of violent sexual offences in Rotherham is set to be released from prison on licence after serving nine years of a 19-year sentence.

The crimes of Banaras Hussain, 44, included rape, indecent assault, and actual bodily harm, were part of a prolonged pattern of abuse targeting vulnerable victims, some as young as 11.

Keep ReadingShow less
Birmingham gang convicted for £2.5m Covid fraud

Birmingham gang convicted for £2.5m Covid fraud

TWELVE members of an organised crime group from Birmingham, Walsall, and Yorkshire have been found guilty of defrauding over £2.5 million in Covid support grants through fraudulent claims.

The crime group exploited non-trading businesses and stolen identities to submit multiple Covid support claims, including Bounce Back Loans, HMRC payments, and various grants set up to assist struggling businesses and individuals during the pandemic.

Keep ReadingShow less
Migrant workers key to meet housing target, warn builders
Construction workers work on building residential houses and homes at a Homes by Strata building site, in Leeds, northern England on September 4, 2024. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Migrant workers key to meet housing target, warn builders

THE UK must urgently address a construction skills shortage, including by increasing migrant worker numbers, to achieve prime minister's target of building 1.5 million homes by the end of this parliamentary term, industry leaders have warned.

The National Federation of Builders, which represents small and medium-sized contractors, highlighted the scale of the challenge, pointing to an ageing workforce and declining numbers of apprentices, the Telegraph reported.

Keep ReadingShow less