Jordan McSweeney appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday where he admitted murdering Ms Aleena, who was brutally kicked and stamped on and then left for dead, in the early hours of June 26 this year. The 29-year-old defendant, who had targeted more than one woman before preying on Ms Aleena, also pleaded guilty to sexual assault. Ms Aleena was returning to her home in Ilford, east London, after spending the night with friends when she was attacked by McSweeney. Prosecutors said the 35-year-old woman “didn’t stand a chance” as the killer dragged her down a street before kicking and stomping on her. McSweeney sexually assaulted the law graduate and made off with her mobile phone, keys and purse, the court heard. Emergency services were called at 2.44am. after Ms Aleena was found with serious head injuries, partially naked and struggling to breathe on Cranbrook Road in Ilford. Paramedics took the victim to the Royal London Hospital where she later died from her injuries. A post-mortem examination found that she had suffered multiple severe injuries. Ms Aleena was just minutes from home when she was murdered in what police described as an “opportunistic attack by an unknown person”. Image: A vigil was held for Zara Aleena in Ilford following her death Blood stained clothes CCTV from the night of the murder showed McSweeney following several women before he zeroed in on Ms Aleena. McSweeney was also caught on CCTV returning to his caravan in Dagenham after the murder, where police found Ms Alina’s bloodstained clothes. More bloodstains were found on a wall in Cranbrook Road with the defendant’s fingerprint identified on them. McSweeney had been released on parole just nine days before the murder. The court heard he was a prolific offender who had previously been jailed for criminal damage, racial harassment and unauthorized possession of a knife in prison. He had 28 convictions for 69 different offences, including burglary, vehicle theft, criminal damage, assaulting police officers and assaulting bail bondsmen. Image: Flowers left after vigil for Zara Aleena “Substantial risk” to the public After his arrest after Ms Aleena’s death, McSweeney refused to answer questions but told officers he had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While in custody, he is said to have threatened police officers as well. Charged with murder, she was remanded in custody after a judge found she posed a “substantial danger” to the public, especially single women. Ms Aleena was an aspiring barrister and had just started a new job at the Royal Courts of Justice. Her family described her family as “carefree-spirited, with the most caring hearts” in a tribute following her death. “He walked everywhere,” the family said. “She put her party favors in a bag and put on her trainers. “Zara believed that a woman should be able to walk home.” Ms Aleena’s killing has led to more calls to end violence against women and girls. Speaking outside court, Detective Chief Inspector David Wellams said Ms Alina “had every right to feel safe” but “instead she was the victim of shocking violence”. “We are working tirelessly with our communities and partners to ensure women can feel safer and crucially safer in our city,” said the Metropolitan Police’s senior officer. He described McSweeney – who will be sentenced on December 14 – as a “very dangerous person”.
