Prisoners charged over attack on Sara Sharif's father

Two prisoners have been charged with the attempted murder of fellow inmate Urfan Sharif who was jailed for killing his daughter Sara Sharif.

Steven Sansom, 47, and Adam Watson, 39, have also been charged with other offences relating to the incident in Belmarsh Prison on 1 January 2025, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

The men will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court for a first hearing on 26 August.

Sharif, 43, and Sara's stepmother Beinash Batool were sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted at the Old Bailey for murdering 10-year-old Sara at their home in Woking, Surrey.

Sharif reportedly suffered cuts to his face during the attack, and received medical treatment at the prison.

Daren Streeter, deputy chief crown prosecutor at CPS London, said: "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."

Sara was hooded, burned and beaten during a "campaign of torture" that lasted two years before her body was found at the family home in August 2023.

During the trial, Justice Cavanagh told the court "the degree of cruelty involved is almost inconceivable".

Urfan Sharif was sentenced to a minimum of 40 years in prison for murder, while his wife Beinash Batool, 30, received a minimum of 33 years.

Sara's uncle, Faisal Malik, 29, was sentenced to 16 years' imprisonment for causing or allowing her death.

The three fled to Islamabad, Pakistan, with Sara's five siblings, the day before her body was found, prompting an international manhunt.

They hid out there for four weeks before returning to the UK, where they were arrested.