Coroner Denies Anonymity for Council Workers in Sara Sharif Case

A coroner has ruled against a request for anonymity for three council employees who are set to testify at the inquest into the death of 10-year-old Sara Sharif. The child was discovered deceased at her family home in Woking, Surrey, in August 2023. Her father, Urfan Sharif, and stepmother, Beinash Batool, were convicted of her murder in December 2024 and received life sentences.

The pre-inquest review heard that concerns about Sara's care were raised soon after her birth in 2013, and her parents were known to social services from 2010. A review also revealed that Surrey County Council workers attempted to visit the family home the day before Sara's death but went to an incorrect address. The review further highlighted failures by services to recognise Sara was at risk of abuse and to investigate unexplained bruising, including why she wore a hijab to conceal it.

Senior coroner Richard Travers stated that anonymity was not justified under common law principles of fairness, balancing this with the media's freedom of expression under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. This decision was opposed by media organizations like the BBC, The Times, and The Guardian. The full inquest is anticipated in October 2027, following the council's prior order to disclose over 24,000 pages of documents related to Sara's case. Sara Sharif died following a prolonged period of abuse, with a post-mortem examination revealing numerous injuries. Surrey County Council had previously expressed deep sorrow following a review of the case.