'A daily living hell' Sara Sharif's father and stepmother guilty of her murder

Sara Sharif's father and stepmother have been found guilty of her murder, as questions were raised over missed opportunities to save the 10-year-old.

- Emine Sinmaz

Sara suffered a "daily living hell" as she was slowly tortured to death over months by Urfan Sharif, who was described in court as a psychopath and a "controlling, violent bully".

The 43-year-old was convicted of murder at the Old Bailey yesterday after an eight-week trial. His wife, Beinash Batool, 30, was also found guilty of murder. His brother Faisal Malik, 29, was found guilty of causing or allowing Sara's death.

Sharif held his head in his hands and Batool wept as the verdicts were delivered after about two days of jury deliberations. They will be sentenced next Tuesday.

The judge, Mr Justice Cavanagh, told jurors: "I know a murder trial is always stressful and traumatic but this case almost above any other has been extremely stressful and traumatic. You have performed your duty magnificently.

I'm acutely aware the evidence you had to sit through has been very distressing and you wouldn't be human if you didn't find it upsetting."

Sara's mother, Olga Domin, paid tribute to her daughter, saying: "My dear Sara, I ask God to please take care of my little girl, she was taken too soon. Sara had beautiful brown eyes and an angelic voice. Sara's smile could brighten up the darkest room. Everyone who knew Sara will know her unique character, her beautiful smile and loud laugh. She will always be in our hearts, her laughter will bring warmth to our lives. We miss Sara very much. Love you princess."