Sara Sharif’s father accepted “full responsibility” for her death, a court has heard.

The 10-year-old’s father, Urfan Sharif, 42, her stepmother Beinash Batool, 30, and her uncle Faisal Malik, 29, had denied murder after Sara’s body was found with dozens of injuries at the family home in Woking, Surrey, last year.

Under cross-examination at the Old Bailey, Mr Sharif said: “She died because of me. »

The court has already heard that Sara was hooded, burned and beaten for over two years of abuse.

Jurors had already learned that Mr. Sharif’s case was that Ms. Batool was responsible for Sara’s death, and he had made a false confession in a phone call as well as in a note to protect his wife.

But on Wednesday, as the court day began, Mr. Sharif unexpectedly said: “I admit what I said in my phone call and in my written note. Every word.

In response to questions from Ms Batool’s lawyer, Caroline Carberry KC, Mr Sharif suddenly said: “I want to say something. »

“Do you accept that you beat Sara severely for several weeks? asked Carberry KC.

“Yes,” he said.

“On the night of August 6, you violently beat Sara?” added Carberry KC.

“Yes,” he said.

Mr Sharif also told the court he caused Sara broken bones and used a cricket bat and a metal pole.

At this point Ms Batool, who was sobbing loudly, left the court and the hearing was adjourned.

An autopsy found that Sara suffered dozens of injuries, including “probable human bite marks,” an iron burn, and hot water burns, before she died on August 8, 2023.

Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones KC previously said a blood-stained cricket bat, a rolling pin bearing Sara’s DNA, a metal pole, a belt and rope were found near the family’s latrine.

Mr Sharif, Ms Batool and Urfan’s brother Mr Malik have all denied charges of murder and causing or permitting the death of a child.

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