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Urfan Sharif was sentenced to life in prison last month for the murder of his daughter, Sara. Press Association
UK
Father of murdered schoolgirl Sara Sharif attacked in British prison
Urfan Sharif initially blamed his wife for the catalogue of abuse Sara suffered before accepting responsibility.
THE FATHER OF murdered schoolgirl, Sara Sharif, has been attacked in prison, according to reports.
Urfan Sharif, who was last month sentenced to 40 years in prison for the death of the young girl, was allegedly ambushed by two other inmates at HMP Belmarsh armed with the jagged lid of a tuna tin on New Year’s Day, the Sun UK reported.
A British Prison Service spokesperson said: “Police are investigating an assault on a prisoner at HMP Belmarsh on 1 January. It would be inappropriate to comment further while they investigate.”
The Sun newspaper reported the 43-year-old had suffered cuts to his neck and face and received medical treatment inside the prison. It is understood Sharif did not need to be taken to hospital.
A spokesperson for the Met police in the UK confirmed it is probing reports of an alleged altercation between inmates at the prison, adding that a 43-year-old man suffered “non-life threatening injuries”.
Sharif and Sara’s stepmother, Beinash Batool, were jailed for life last month for years of horrific “torture” and “despicable” abuse that culminated in the 10-year-old’s murder.
Sara was found dead in a bunkbed at the family home in Woking, Surrey, on 10 August after Sharif called police from Pakistan and said he had beaten her up “too much”.
He initially blamed his wife Batool for the catalogue of injuries Sara suffered before telling jurors he accepted “responsibility”.
In a televised sentencing at the Old Bailey, Mr Justice Cavanagh said Sara’s death “was the culmination of years of neglect, frequent assaults and what can only be described as torture”, mainly at the hands of Sharif.
The senior judge said her “despicable treatment” took place in “plain sight and in front of the rest of the family”.
He told Sharif: “You treated her in such a way because you considered it your right to impose harsh discipline on her. Sara was a brave, feisty and spirited child. She was not submissive as you wanted her to be. She stood up to you.
“I have no doubt that your ego and sense of self importance was boosted by the power you wielded over her and the rest of the family.”
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