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CPS Charges Steven Sansom, Adam Watson With Attempted Murder

8/14/2026

28 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Crown Prosecution Service charged Steven Sansom and Adam Watson with attempted murder of prisoner Urfan Sharif after a 1 January 2025 assault at HMP Belmarsh.
The attackers used a jagged tuna-tin lid to cut Sharif’s neck and face, causing injuries.
Sansom and Watson will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 26 August 2026 after deputy chief crown prosecutor Daren Streeter said prosecutors found sufficient evidence.

History

Historical Context

Britain’s Criminal Justice Act 1991, which empowered the Home Secretary to contract out prison services, led to the opening of the first private prison, Wolds, in 1992. The legislation, championed by Home Secretary Michael Howard in 1993, also introduced tougher sentencing for more than 150 offences. The 2025 Belmarsh attack, using a tuna-tin lid, echoes the act’s legacy of heightened security measures.

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Story summary

Crown Prosecution Service charged Steven Sansom and Adam Watson with attempted murder of prisoner Urfan Sharif after a 1 January 2025 assault at HMP Belmarsh.
The attackers used a jagged tuna-tin lid to cut Sharif’s neck and face, causing injuries.
Sansom and Watson will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 26 August 2026 after deputy chief crown prosecutor Daren Streeter said prosecutors found sufficient evidence.

1 / 2