4 days ago
Two inmates deny attempted murder of Sara Sharif’s father
Two prisoners are accused of attacking Urfan Sharif, who is serving a life sentence for killing his daughter Sara.
The alleged attack happened at Belmarsh Prison in January 2025.
Prosecutors say Steven Sansom and Adam Watson lured Sharif into a cell.
They say Watson restrained and punched him while Sansom pressed on his throat.
They also allege that an object was used to make cutting motions near his throat.
Sharif reportedly suffered cuts to his face and received medical treatment.
Both men deny the charges and deny possessing two unauthorised weapons.
Their trial is expected to start in July 2027.
Sara Sharif’s death and the earlier murder case are part of the background to the proceedings.
Steven Sansom and Adam Watson pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and wounding with intent.
The alleged attack on Urfan Sharif took place at Belmarsh Prison on January 1, 2025.
Prosecutors allege Sharif was punched, restrained and subjected to pressure and cutting motions around his throat.
The defendants also deny possessing an unauthorised tin-lid weapon and a pen attached to a handle.
A two-week trial is scheduled to begin on July 19, 2027, at the Old Bailey.
- Who
- Steven Sansom and Adam Watson are accused of attacking Urfan Sharif, Sara Sharif’s father.
- What
- They pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and possessing two unauthorised weapons.
- Where
- The alleged attack took place at Belmarsh Prison in south-east London, and the pleas were entered at the Old Bailey by video link from HMP Wakefield.
- When
- The alleged attack occurred on January 1, 2025; the defendants entered pleas on Wednesday, 23, and their trial is scheduled for July 19, 2027.
- Why
- Prosecutors allege the defendants attacked Sharif inside a prison cell, while the defendants deny the charges.
Prosecution allegations
Defendants’ position
Alleged prison attack
Prosecution allegations
Prosecutors allege Sansom invited Sharif into a cell, Watson restrained and repeatedly punched him, and Sansom applied pressure to his throat.
Defendants’ position
Sansom and Watson deny attempted murder and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Use of weapons
Prosecution allegations
The prosecution case includes allegations that the men possessed and used objects including a tin lid and a pen attached to a handle without authorisation.
Defendants’ position
Both defendants deny possessing the two weapons without authorisation.
Key facts
- Defendants
- Steven Sansom, 47, and Adam Watson, 39
- Victim
- Urfan Sharif, who is serving a life sentence for murdering his daughter Sara
- Alleged attack date
- January 1, 2025
- Location
- Belmarsh Prison, south-east London
- Alleged injuries
- Cuts to Sharif’s face; he received medical treatment
- Additional allegations
- Possessing a tin lid and a pen attached to a handle without authorisation
- Trial date
- A two-week trial is scheduled to begin on July 19, 2027
Sources
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