Based on the what's been reported (jurors will obviously have more information), I also don't think a case has been properly made out against the uncle. Neither Batool, nor Urfan have ever mentioned or implicated him (not present at the sky news interview, no menton of him in text exchanges with her sisters).
It's plausible that he and they were living separate lives, in much the same way as an older teen or adult child might live with their parents but have little day to day contact with them, mostly out doing their own thing. Plus, wouldn't he have been treated like a guest? Would the couple be airing their dirty laundry and everything that was toxic about their household while he was at home? As many have noted, the house was spotless, with no signs of family life, just as you might keep it when you have guests staying with you. I thought there was more emotion on his face (in the clip where they're driving at the airport) than other two - an expression I'd describe as grim or angry. The same (i.e. more emotion) when they were arrested.
I know there's sometimes a strength of feeling in such cases, along the lines of "everyone should hang", but I find the evidence against the uncle (as reported) to be quite weak. And I can't understand why the prosecution haven't revised the charges that he's facing. i.e. I would expect the murder charge to be dropped.
JMO
From what we have been privy to from articles in msm . I can't see how the uncle can be charged with any more than fleeing the scene of a crime . How do you get an airtight conviction on the assumption he knew .
Urfan and bienash are definitely going down for a long time but for a murder charge to stick .There has to be intent . Which means the jury must find that urfan intended to kill Sara instead of just putting her in grave danger of dying .
I think this is why the judge has brought in the idea of manslaughter so soon as I feel he knows there is more chance of appeal on a murder charge .
One can assume urfan and bienash had to know one day it would be one blow to many as the weapons used especially the cricket bat is a forceful and heavy object to be repeatedly striking a child with and not expect an outcome of death . But assumption and hypothesis has no place in law only factually based evidence AFAIK.
Can manslaughter carry the same sentencing as murder
I'm sure the jury will come back with multiple charges against the defendants but the real question on everyone's lips is how long will each defendant serve in prison.
I know in some cases where there is a couple in the Dock. Regardless of level of participation or which one lead and which one followed both were given life sentences without parole . Mara Hindley and Ian Brady, Fred and Rose West and many more than we want to remember The only one that didn't but imo should have is Maxine Carr and Ian Huntly.
I think the defendants are playing the long game . They think they are clever they think they can outwit the jury and judge . These sub human beings are used to being cunning and liars and have spent 2 years escaping being caught . I think in Pakistan they hatched a plan to try confuse . I think one of the remarks of the judge in sentencing is neither defendant showed remorse which in itself can add to the length of a sentence
What really bothers me is urfan and bienash actually believe their own justification in saying the beatings happened because Sara was naughty ,cheeky or disrespectful what ever sick excuses they gave . And in hindsight I don't think bienash was texting her sisters out of any empathy or concern for Sara . I think she was looking for pity and an acceptance for what she and urfan were doing .
I don't mention fasial in these remarks not because I don't think he is guilty but because not enough evidence is known for me to form an opinion of his involvement in the torture and murder of Sara .
I pray with all my heart olga gets justice for her daughter and it brings some comfort knowing the 3 will never harm another child again and in that justice the judge takes any chance of a normal life from urfan ,bienash and fasial
And if the death penalty was still an option I would be first in the queue shouting hang them high