Two of Britain's most notorious female killers will spend the festive season behind bars together at HMP Bronzefield, with one reportedly complaining about having to work for the first time in her life.
Notorious cellmates in festive lock-up
Beinash Batool, 30, is serving a minimum of 33 years for the murder of her 10-year-old stepdaughter, Sara Sharif. She was convicted alongside her husband, Urfan Sharif, 43, for subjecting the child to a horrific campaign of abuse before her death.
Now incarcerated, Batool has formed a close bond with another infamous inmate: Lucy Letby, the 35-year-old former neonatal nurse convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others. Letby is serving 15 whole-life orders and will die in prison.
'Cushy' prison job sparks inmate fury
While their prison experiences differ from Urfan Sharif's—who was moved from HMP Belmarsh to HMP Frankland after being assaulted—Batool has reportedly secured coveted roles. She initially worked in the prison library before moving to a job in the chapel.
Her new duties involve photocopying and collating leaflets for Muslim and Christian inmates, a position described as "easy" and highly sought-after. However, sources claim Batool is unhappy with the work.
"She's moaning, she's not happy because she's not used to working," a prison source told the Mirror. "She says she's always had everything provided for her... 'I've never worked in my life, I've always had a man support me.'"
The attitude has angered fellow prisoners, with one inmate allegedly saying they wanted to "slap" Batool upon seeing her in the chapel.
Special treatment for convicted killers
Letby and Batool are often seen together, playing card games like Uno and reportedly joking and laughing. Their friendship is partly born of necessity, as both women face threats from other inmates within the 550-strong prison population.
Their safety concerns lead to significant disruptions. When the pair use facilities like the salon or library, areas are often closed to other prisoners for security reasons, a privilege that has caused resentment.
"When she and Beinash go to the salon, the whole salon has to be shut down," the source explained, noting the potential risk from scissors and other equipment. "This place is like an upside down world."
Both women have reportedly received "positive behaviour comments" from staff, granting them enhanced privileges, including access to the staff cafe. Letby is also said to receive her visits in a specially decorated family room, despite having no children.
As Christmas approaches, the pair will remain under these unusual and contentious conditions, their presence continuing to stir controversy within the walls of HMP Bronzefield.
