Prison Attack Charges
Two Inmates Charged with Attempted Murder After Attacking Sara Sharif's Father in Belmarsh Prison
Key Points
The two inmates named as suspects are Steven Sansom (47) and Adam Watson (39).
Authorities say Sharif was ambushed in his Belmarsh cell by two inmates armed with the jagged lid of a tuna tin.
In Sara Sharif’s murder case, Urfan Sharif (the father) was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 40 years, while his stepmother Beinash Batool received 33 years and uncle Faisal Malik 16 years.
Belmarsh Prison is described as a Category A facility in southeast London, notable for housing high-risk inmates.
There are inconsistencies in reporting Urfan Sharif’s age: some outlets list him as 44, while others report 43.
Two inmates at HMP Belmarsh have been charged with the attempted murder of Urfan Sharif — the man serving a 40-year minimum life sentence for killing his 10-year-old daughter Sara. Steven Sansom, 47, and Adam Watson, 39, allegedly ambushed Sharif in his cell on New Year's Day 2025, using a jagged tuna tin lid as a weapon, according to Metro.
Sharif suffered facial injuries and needed medical treatment after the attack. The Crown Prosecution Service has charged both men, and they are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 26, Yahoo News reported.
How the Tuna Tin Attack Unfolded in Belmarsh
Belmarsh is a Category A prison in southeast London — the UK's highest security level, housing its most dangerous inmates. Sansom and Watson are accused of entering Sharif's cell on January 1, 2025, and attacking him with the sharpened lid of a tuna tin. Head Topics described it as a deliberate ambush. Sharif was left with injuries to his face and required treatment.
Authorities have urged caution around reporting on the case. The Crown Prosecution Service noted that court proceedings are active, warning that coverage could prejudice future trials. Both men will face a magistrates' court hearing on August 26, Daily Record reported.
Sara Sharif's Murder and the Sentences That Followed
Sara Sharif was a 10-year-old girl who died after suffering prolonged and serious abuse. Her body was found in August 2023 at the family home in Woking, Surrey. The case shocked the UK and led to one of the most high-profile child murder trials in recent memory.
Urfan Sharif was convicted of her murder and sentenced to life with a minimum term of 40 years. His partner, Beinash Batool, received 33 years, and Sara's uncle Faisal Malik was sentenced to 16 years, according to Metro. All three were found to have played a role in the abuse and killing.
Prison Violence Against High-Profile Killers Is Not Rare
Attacks on inmates convicted of crimes against children are not uncommon in UK prisons. High-profile child killers are often targeted by other prisoners. Belmarsh, despite its maximum-security status, has seen violent incidents among its population of serious offenders.
The use of a makeshift weapon — a tuna tin lid — highlights how prisoners can improvise dangerous tools from everyday items. AOL noted that both Sansom and Watson face the most serious charge short of murder. If convicted, they could face lengthy additional sentences on top of any terms they are already serving.
What Happens Next in the Legal Process
Sansom and Watson are set to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 26. Magistrates' courts in England handle initial hearings, but an attempted murder charge of this gravity will almost certainly be sent to a Crown Court for trial. No trial date has been set yet.
Prosecutors and police have asked media to be careful in their coverage. Because proceedings are now active, publishing anything that could unfairly influence a jury is a criminal offence under UK contempt of court law. Yahoo News noted that authorities stressed this point when announcing the charges.
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