Urfan Sharif, convicted of the murder of his 10-year-old daughter, Sara Sharif, is reportedly under the protection of a Muslim gang at HMP Frankland in County Durham. This arrangement follows a violent assault at HMP Belmarsh, where Sharif was attacked with a makeshift weapon fashioned from a tuna tin lid.
Attack at HMP Belmarsh
On January 1, 2025, while serving his life sentence at HMP Belmarsh in south London, Sharif was ambushed in his cell by two inmates wielding a jagged tuna tin lid. The assault resulted in significant injuries to his neck and face, requiring medical attention. A Prison Service spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating: “Police are investigating an assault on a prisoner at HMP Belmarsh on January 1. It would be inappropriate to comment further while they investigate.”
Transfer to HMP Frankland
Following the attack, Sharif was relocated to HMP Frankland, a high-security facility often referred to as “Monster Mansion” due to its notorious inmates. This prison houses some of the UK’s most infamous criminals, including Wayne Couzens and Levi Bellfield. Upon arrival, Sharif reportedly received protection from a group of Muslim inmates who, sharing his faith, have deterred further attacks against him. A source noted: “Sharif has not been touched at Frankland – and it is largely down to this Muslim gang.”
Background of the Case
In December 2024, Urfan Sharif and his wife, Beinash Batool, were found guilty of the murder of Sara Sharif. The court heard that Sara endured a prolonged period of abuse, including beatings, burns, and other forms of mistreatment, leading up to her death. Sharif was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 40 years, while Batool received a minimum term of 33 years.
The case has drawn significant public attention, not only due to the horrific nature of the crime but also because of the subsequent events during Sharif’s incarceration. The attack at HMP Belmarsh and his transfer to HMP Frankland highlight ongoing concerns about inmate safety, especially for those convicted of crimes against children, who are often targeted within the prison system.
While Sharif currently remains under the protection of fellow Muslim inmates, the situation underscores the complexities and challenges within the prison environment, particularly regarding the management and safety of high-profile offenders.
