Two men charged with attempted murder of Sara Sharif's killer father

Two men have been charged with the attempted murder of Urfan Sharif while he is in prison for the murder of his daughter, Sara.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced the charges against Steven Sansom and Adam Watson following an incident at Belmarsh Prison in London.

The Press Association news agency reported that the incident involves Sharif, serving a life sentence at the Category A prison in Thamesmead.

Daren Streeter, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor in CPS London, said: "The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to charge Steven Sansom and Adam Watson with attempted murder in connection with an incident at HMP Belmarsh in January 2025.

"Our prosecutors have worked closely with the Metropolitan Police to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court and pursue criminal proceedings."

Sky News reported at the time the alleged offence took place that Sharif was understood to have suffered slashes to his face and body, requiring stitches.

Sharif was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 40 years for murdering 10-year-old Sara after years of abuse in December 2024.

The court heard that she suffered "unimaginable pain, misery and anxiety" as she was repeatedly beaten, burned, bitten and restrained at the family home in Woking, Surrey.

In a televised sentencing at the Old Bailey on 17 December 2024, 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.

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The senior judge said at the time that Sara's "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."

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