Sara Sharif's Father: Inmates Charged with Attempted Murder

Two men have been charged with attempted murder following a violent attack inside Belmarsh Prison on Urfan Sharif, the father convicted of murdering his 10-year-old daughter Sara. The development brings fresh attention to high-security prison safety after Sharif was ambushed inside his cell. Steven Sansom and Adam Watson now face formal legal proceedings in London, with a court appearance scheduled for later this month.

The Story at a Glance

The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed on 14 August 2026 that Steven Sansom, 47, and Adam Watson, 39, have been formally charged with attempted murder. The charges stem from an assault carried out inside London's high-security HMP Belmarsh on 1 January 2025. Both defendants are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court for a preliminary hearing on 26 August.

How the Story Developed

Urfan Sharif, 43, was sentenced to life imprisonment in December 2024 with a minimum term of 40 years after being convicted at the Old Bailey of murdering Sara Sharif at their home in Woking, Surrey. Sara died in August 2023 following two years of severe abuse, sustaining 71 recent injuries and 25 broken bones.

Just weeks after his sentencing, on New Year's Day 2025, Sharif was allegedly ambushed in his prison cell by two inmates armed with the jagged lid of a tuna tin. The Metropolitan Police launched an investigation into the assault after Sharif sustained non-life-threatening cuts to his face and neck, requiring medical treatment inside the jail. Prosecutors evaluated evidence gathered by investigators over subsequent months before authorizing formal attempted murder charges.

Key People and Details

The criminal proceedings involve several named individuals and legal authorities:

• Steven Sansom (47) and Adam Watson (39): Fellow inmates charged with attempted murder and related offenses connected to the Belmarsh incident.
• Urfan Sharif (43): The victim of the assault, currently serving a 40-year minimum life sentence for murder.
• Beinash Batool (30): Sara's stepmother, sentenced to a minimum of 33 years for murder.
• Faisal Malik (29): Sara's uncle, imprisoned for 16 years for causing or allowing her death.
• Daren Streeter: Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor at CPS London overseeing the prosecution.

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.

Reaction and Response

The Crown Prosecution Service issued a formal reminder regarding active legal proceedings, emphasizing that Sansom and Watson have the right to a fair trial. The CPS stated that strict reporting restrictions apply, noting that public commentary or sharing of prejudicial information must be avoided while the prosecution progresses through the courts.

What to Watch

The immediate legal focus turns to the preliminary hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 26 August, where the charges will be formally presented before the case is transferred to crown court. Separately, Surrey Coroner's Court has scheduled a full inquest into Sara Sharif's death to begin on 5 April 2027, examining the wider institutional handling and safeguarding responses leading up to August 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has been charged over the prison attack on Urfan Sharif?

Steven Sansom, 47, and Adam Watson, 39, have both been charged with attempted murder and related offenses.

When and where did the alleged assault take place?

The incident occurred on 1 January 2025 inside HMP Belmarsh, a high-security Category A prison in London.

What injuries did Urfan Sharif sustain?

Sharif suffered non-life-threatening cuts to his neck and face, which were treated by medical staff inside the prison.

When will the defendants appear in court?

Both men are scheduled for their first hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 26 August.