The 10-year-old was found in her house in Woking last August.
Her father Urfan and stepmother Beinash Patool will spend a minimum of 40 and 33 years behind bars for murder.
While her uncle Faisal Malik’s been jailed for at least 16 for causing or allowing Sara’s death.
Reporter, Sabah Choudhry at the Old Bailey.
CPS: Libby Clark from the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Sara Sharif was a lively and joyful 10-year-old girl whose life was tragically cut short by the very people who should have protected and cared for her.
“The evidence in this case painted a devastating picture of the suffering Sara experienced leading up to her death and the campaign of abuse she was being subjected to in her own family home. Her injuries revealed the extent of the cruelty inflicted upon her, while the defendants’ actions after her death demonstrated a shocking disregard for her life as they attempted to flee the country to evade justice, thinking only of themselves.
“Whilst her father and stepmother were responsible for subjecting Sara to horrific abuse, her uncle took no action to stop or report it.
“This has been an incredibly complex and distressing case, and it is thanks to the tireless work of the prosecution team, Surrey Police, international partners, and the CPS International Unit that we were able to secure justice for Sara. I also want to thank the jury for their careful consideration of the harrowing evidence presented in court.
“Today’s sentences reflect the cruelty and gravity of their crimes – and while no sentence can bring Sara back, we hope this outcome is able to provide some small comfort to all those that knew and loved her.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Chapman from the Surrey Police and Sussex Police Major Crime Team, which led the investigation, said: “The father and stepmother of 10-year-old Sara Sharif have today been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of her murder. Her uncle was sentenced to 16 years’ imprisonment after being found guilty of causing or allowing her death.
“Sara was a bright and lively little girl who loved singing and dancing, and on behalf of Surrey Police, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to her mother, Olga, her siblings, and all those who knew and cared for her.
“Sara’s spirit, bravery and resilience in the face of the abuse she suffered has shone through from the vast enquiries that have been undertaken in this case.
“Sara’s young life was brought to an end as a result of the brutal abuse inflicted on her by her father and stepmother, which her uncle did nothing to prevent.
“This case has shocked and horrified not only those who knew and loved her, but people across the country and around the world.
“From the day we found Sara’s body after receiving a phone call from Sharif, Surrey Police has worked tirelessly to build a case to prove that Sharif, Batool and Malik had played their part in Sara’s death.
“Sara’s death has been one of the most difficult and distressing cases that Surrey Police has ever dealt with. I would like to thank those who came forward to provide information, and those who gave evidence in such harrowing circumstances.
“I would also like to thank the jury for their careful consideration of the evidence which has been presented throughout this trial, much of which has been extremely disturbing.
“I also extend my thanks to the National Crime Agency, the Crown Prosecution Service, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, Interpol and authorities In Pakistan for their support with the wider investigation.
“Now that the criminal case has concluded, we will work closely with our partners to undertake the Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review, which will examine the practice of all agencies involved with the family and identify any learning.
“The murder of a child is shocking, but the injuries and abuse that Sara suffered during her short life has made this case particularly disturbing.”
Rick Jones, National Crime Agency’s Deputy Director of International, said: “Sara Sharif’s life was taken in truly horrific circumstances at the hands of the very people who were meant to protect and nurture her. Our thoughts remain with her mother and those who knew and loved her.
“The tireless work of NCA officers alongside our international partners, including Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency and the Government of Pakistan, was crucial to the success of the investigation and prosecution, and ultimately securing justice for Sara.
“I would like to thank the Pakistan authorities for their vital support to the extensive Surrey Police investigation that has resulted in Sara’s killers being imprisoned for the foreseeable future.”
