Inmates deny attempting to murder Sara Sharif's father in Belmarsh prison

Two serving prisoners have denied attempting to murder Urfan Sharif, the father of murdered schoolgirl Sara Sharif, inside HMP Belmarsh. Steven Sansom, 47, and Adam Watson, 39, appeared at the Old Bailey via videolink from Wakefield jail on Wednesday. They pleaded not guilty to the charge of attempted murder and to wounding Sharif with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm.

Allegations in court

It is alleged that Sansom invited Sharif into a cell where Watson was waiting. Watson then allegedly punched Sharif repeatedly before Sansom applied pressure to his throat. The court heard that Watson then passed an object to Sansom, which was used to make cutting motions to Sharif’s throat. Prison officers found Sharif bloodied and distressed on the floor of the cell with injuries to his face, mouth, and neck.

Both Sansom and Watson also denied unauthorised possession of two offensive weapons in prison. The items in question were described as a tin lid and a pen attached to a handle. Judge Lynn Tayton KC set a two-week trial for the inmates to commence on July 19 next year. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for June 21.

Background to the case

Urfan Sharif was jailed for life in December last year with a minimum term of 40 years for the murder of his 10-year-old daughter, Sara. Sharif and Sara’s stepmother, Beinash Batool, were convicted of years of abuse and torture that culminated in the child’s death. Batool, from Woking in Surrey, was given a 33-year sentence.

Sansom and Watson were remanded into custody following their plea hearing. The trial is expected to last two weeks.