Two inmates have pleaded not guilty to attempting to murder Urfan Sharif, the father of murdered schoolgirl Sara Sharif, in an attack involving makeshift weapons at HMP Belmarsh. Steven Sansom, 47, and Adam Watson, 39, appeared at the Old Bailey on Wednesday via video link from Wakefield jail to deny charges of attempted murder and wounding with intent.
Alleged attack on New Year's Day 2025
The prosecution alleges that Sansom invited Sharif, who was jailed for murdering his 10-year-old daughter, into a cell where Watson was waiting. Watson is accused of grabbing Sharif and punching him repeatedly before Sansom allegedly applied pressure to his throat. It is further claimed that Watson passed an object to Sansom, which was then used to make cutting motions to Sharif's throat.
Prison officers entered the cell and found Sharif bloodied and distressed on the floor, with injuries to his face, mouth, and neck, the court has previously heard. The attack is said to have taken place on New Year's Day 2025.
Plea hearing at the Old Bailey
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and wounding Sharif with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. They also denied unauthorised possession of two offensive weapons in prison, relating to a tin lid and a pen attached to a handle.
Judge Lynn Tayton KC set a two-week trial for July 19 next year and remanded the serving prisoners into custody. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for June 21.
Background of the case
Urfan Sharif and Sara's stepmother, Beinash Batool, from Woking in Surrey, were jailed for life in December for years of horrific “torture” and “despicable” abuse that culminated in the 10-year-old’s murder. Sharif was handed a minimum term of 40 years, while Batool was given 33 years.
