Inmates deny attempted murder of Urfan Sharif in prison

Two inmates, Steven Sansom, 47, and Adam Watson, 39, have pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of Urfan Sharif at HMP Belmarsh. The incident allegedly occurred on New Year’s Day 2025.

Prosecutors allege that Sansom lured Sharif into a cell where Watson was waiting. It is claimed that Watson punched Sharif repeatedly while Sansom applied pressure to his throat. The pair are also accused of using makeshift weapons, including a tin lid and a pen attached to a handle, to cause injuries to Sharif’s face, mouth, and neck.

Urfan Sharif is currently serving a sentence for the murder of his 10-year-old daughter, Sara Sharif. During a hearing at the Old Bailey, the defendants also denied charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and unauthorized possession of offensive weapons. Judge Lynn Tayton KC has scheduled a two-week trial for July 19, 2026, with a pre-trial hearing set for June 21.