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Inmates Plead Not Guilty to Attempted Murder of Prisoner Urfan Sharif
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Attempted Murder Allegations Inside Belmarsh Prison
On January 1, 2025, an assault was reported inside HMP Belmarsh, a high-security prison in southeast London. Prosecutors allege that Steven Sansom, 47, lured Urfan Sharif into a cell where Adam Watson, 39, was waiting. Watson is alleged to have restrained Sharif, delivered repeated punches to his head and face, and to have passed an unidentified object to Sansom, who then made cutting motions across Sharif’s throat. The attack was stopped when prison officers forced the cell doors open.
Background of the Victim and Perpetrators
Urfan Sharif is serving a life sentence for the murder of his 10-year-old daughter, Sara Sharif, at their home in Woking, Surrey. Sharif’s stepmother, Beinash Batool, also received a life term for the same killing. The two accused inmates, Sansom and Watson, are currently held at HMP Wakefield.
Court Proceedings and Charges
At a hearing before the Central Criminal Court (the Old Bailey), the two men entered not-guilty pleas via video link from Wakefield. The charges, filed last month, include attempted murder, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and unauthorised possession of two items described as a tin lid and a pen with a handle. The court was presented with details of the alleged assault, and the defendants denied all allegations.
Prosecutorial Allegations and Evidence
According to the prosecution, Sharif sustained substantial facial and neck injuries, including lacerations and blunt-force trauma to his face, mouth and neck, requiring urgent medical treatment by prison staff. Court records describe Sharif as “bloodied and highly distressed” when officers entered the cell. The prosecution’s case relies on testimony about the coordinated nature of the attack and the alleged use of the object to threaten Sharif’s throat.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
The case is scheduled for trial in the coming year, during which the court will examine the evidence surrounding the alleged coordinated assault and the defendants’ claims of innocence.