Mother Of Woking Girl Killed By Dad And Stepmum Reveals Hope For Answers

The mum of Sara Sharif has revealed how she hopes an inquest will provide her with “vital answers” regarding her daughter’s death. 

The 10-year-old’s body was found in a bunkbed at the home she lived at with her dad and stepmum in Woking, Surrey. 

The couple had fled to Pakistan the day before. They were subsequently convicted of murder.

Sara's mum Olga asks lawyers to help establish further answers

Following the conclusion of criminal proceedings, Sara’s mum Olga Domin, aged 38, instructed specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to support her through the inquest process. 

A pre-inquest review hearing is now due to take place. The inquest process is likely to examine the role authorities played in helping support Sara.  

Juliet Spender is the expert public law and human rights lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Olga.

Expert Opinion

“Olga remains devastated by her daughter’s death and the circumstances surrounding it.

“While criminal proceedings provided some answers, she still has serious concerns about how events that led to Sara’s death unfolded.

“The inquest process is central to Olga’s search for the vital answers she deserves.

“We continue to support her at this deeply distressing time.” Juliet Spender

Sara Sharif background

Sara had suffered 71 injuries, including 25 broken bones, iron burns on her bottom, scalding marks to her feet and human bite marks.

Her dad, Urfan Sharif; stepmum, Beinash Batool; and uncle, Faisal Malik; had fled to Pakistan on 9 August, 2023.

Sara’s body was found the following day. 

Last December, Sharif, then aged 42, and Batool, then aged 30, were jailed for life with minimum terms of 40 and 33 years respectively.

Malik, then aged 29, was found guilty of causing or allowing Sara’s death. He was jailed for 16 years. 

Olga pays tribute to beautiful daughter

Olga, who moved back to her native Poland following the breakdown of her relationship with Sharif, said: “Sara was the most adorable and beautiful little girl. She had the kindest smile and an infectious laugh. 

“Despite her young age she had an amazing gift of being able to light up a room and make the world a much happier place. She brought sunshine to my life.

“I have lost the chance to see Sara again. I don’t think I’ll ever get over her death.

“I’m determined to at least honour my girl’s memory by establishing why she ended up in a situation where her life was taken from her in the cruellest of ways.”

A pre-inquest review hearing is due to take place at Surrey Coroner’s Court in Woking on 21 July. A date for a full inquest is yet to be fixed.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting families establish answers at our dedicated protecting your rights section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.