Urfan Sharif, convicted of the brutal murder of his 10-year-old daughter, Sara, has been transferred to HMP Frankland, a maximum-security prison notorious for housing some of the UK’s most dangerous criminals. Sharif, who received a life sentence with a minimum term of 40 years, was previously held at HMP Belmarsh, where he reportedly suffered a near-fatal attack involving two inmates slashing his throat with a modified tuna can lid. This incident, occurring shortly after his sentencing, left Sharif in critical condition but ultimately surviving. Now residing in Frankland, nicknamed “Monster Mansion,” he lives in fear amongst a population that includes infamous figures like Ian Huntley, Wayne Couzens, and Levi Bellfield. Sharif reportedly spends most of his time confined to his cell, terrified of potential reprisals from fellow inmates who view child killers with extreme disdain, even within the harsh environment of a maximum-security prison.
Sara Sharif’s tragic death was the culmination of over two years of horrific abuse inflicted upon her by her father and stepmother, Beinash Batool. The young girl endured unimaginable suffering, subjected to beatings with various objects, including a cricket bat and a metal pole, scalding with boiling liquid, and burns from an iron. The extent of the abuse was so severe that Sara’s body bore at least 71 injuries, making it impossible for authorities to pinpoint the specific injury that caused her death. The court proceedings revealed that Sara was often so terrified by the violence she would vomit or wet herself, only to be further punished for these involuntary reactions.
The judge presiding over the case described the abuse Sara endured as unimaginable, highlighting the sheer brutality and cruelty inflicted upon a defenseless child. Batool, Sara’s stepmother, received a life sentence with a minimum term of 33 years for her role in the sustained torture and eventual murder. Faisal Malik, Sara’s uncle, was also convicted for causing or allowing the death of a child and sentenced to 16 years imprisonment. The sentencing marked the end of a harrowing legal process that exposed the horrifying details of Sara’s suffering and brought a measure of justice for the young victim.
Sharif’s transfer to Frankland places him among a population of hardened criminals, many of whom harbor deep animosity towards those who harm children. The prison, with its reputation for violence and a history of attacks on both inmates and staff, presents a constant threat to Sharif’s safety. He is reportedly seeking protection from Muslim and Asian inmates, hoping for a misplaced sense of loyalty based on shared background. However, even within this demographic, the nature of his crime is likely to isolate him and leave him vulnerable. The prison environment, known for its inherent dangers, is further amplified for Sharif due to the revulsion his crime evokes.
HMP Frankland has witnessed numerous violent incidents in recent years, including assaults on prison staff and attacks between inmates. One incident involved a police officer being critically injured after being stabbed in the chest by a prisoner. Another involved a prison guard suffering multiple stab wounds in an attack by a Muslim convert. These incidents, alongside the high-profile nature of its inmates, underscore the volatile and dangerous nature of the prison environment. Sharif’s presence within this volatile setting adds another layer of complexity, given the potential for retaliatory violence against him.
The case of Sara Sharif’s murder has shocked the public, highlighting the devastating consequences of domestic abuse and the vulnerability of children within their own homes. The brutality of the crime and the prolonged suffering endured by Sara have sparked calls for greater vigilance in identifying and addressing child abuse. The sentencing of Sharif, Batool, and Malik serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting children and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The ongoing safety concerns surrounding Sharif in prison reflect the enduring impact of his horrific crime and the lasting condemnation it elicits.
