Inmates deny trying to murder Urfan Sharif at HMP Belmarsh

Two serving prisoners have denied attempting to murder Urfan Sharif, the father of murdered schoolgirl Sara Sharif, within HMP Belmarsh. Steven Sansom, 47, and Adam Watson, 39, appeared at the Old Bailey on Wednesday via video link from Wakefield jail.

The alleged attack occurred on New Year's Day 2025. It is claimed that Sansom invited Sharif into a cell where Watson was waiting. Watson then allegedly punched Sharif repeatedly before Sansom applied pressure to his throat. A further allegation states Watson passed an object to Sansom, which was then used to make cutting motions to Sharif’s throat.

Prison officers intervened and found Sharif on the floor with injuries to his face, mouth, and neck, as previously reported to the court. Both Sansom and Watson pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder and wounding Sharif with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Weapons charges

In addition to the assault charges, the two inmates also denied unauthorised possession of offensive weapons. The items in question were described as a tin lid and a pen attached to a handle. Judge Lynn Tayton KC presided over the plea hearing.

Urfan Sharif was previously jailed for life for the murder of his 10-year-old daughter, Sara Sharif. He was given a minimum sentence of 40 years. Sara’s stepmother, Beinash Batool, received a 33-year sentence for her role in the abuse and murder.

Trial dates set

A two-week trial for Steven Sansom and Adam Watson has been scheduled to commence on July 19, 2025. A pre-trial hearing will take place on June 21, 2025. Both defendants were remanded into custody.