Sara Sharif case: Court upholds jail terms for father and stepmother

A UK court on Thursday rejected the appeals of three individuals convicted in connection with the murder of 10-year-old Sara Sharif, upholding their prison sentences.

According to British media, a panel of judges dismissed the appeals filed by the child's father, 41-year-old Urfan Sharif, her stepmother Beinash Batool, 29, and uncle Faisal Malik, 29.

They had been sentenced last year for their roles in the abuse and subsequent killing of Sara in a case that sparked nationwide outrage.

During the hearing, the judges stated that the original sentences were fair, given the gravity of the crime. The court had previously heard how the young girl endured months of severe physical abuse before being found dead at her home in Woking, Surrey, in August 2023.

Read: Sara Sharif's father, stepmother seek to appeal against their sentences

The convicted individuals, who initially fled to Pakistan, were later brought back to the UK to face trial.

The tragic case had drawn significant public and media attention, as Sara's father and stepmother removed her from school months before her death.

Reports of their mistreatment and neglect led to public outcry and questions over child protection measures in the country.

Authorities say the court’s decision affirms justice for the victim and sets a precedent for similar cases in the future.