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A sex predator who brutally murdered a 35-year-old woman in the street by kicking and punching her was a prolific offender who had been released from prison days earlier. Jordan McSweeney targeted more than one woman before robbing law graduate Zara Alina as she returned home from a night out, subjecting her to a savage attack, the Old Bailey heard. He was in prison for criminal damage, racial harassment and unauthorized possession of a knife in prison. McSweeney, 29, from Dagenham, Essex, admitted murder and sexual assault. Prosecutor Oliver Glasgow KC told the court the defendant launched an “attack on a lone woman walking home late at night, a woman who had no chance”. McSweeney had been ordered back to prison two days before he attacked Ms Aleena after failing to attend his probation appointments. Officers from the Metropolitan Police tried to locate McSweeney in the early hours of June 25 to arrest him, but were unable to find him. The following morning, June 26, McSweeney dragged Ms Aleena into a driveway in Cranbrook Road, Ilford, east London. He sexually assaulted her and made off with her cell phone, keys and purse, prosecutors said. Emergency services were called after she was found with serious head injuries, struggling to breathe and partially naked. He died in hospital and a post-mortem examination found he had suffered multiple serious injuries. Video from the area showed McSweeney targeting other women before going after Ms Aleena. During the brief hearing, the defendant stood in the dock and stared at the floor as he pleaded guilty as Ms Aleena’s family looked on. Family and friends with members of the public attend a vigil in Ilford, east London, for Zara Aleena (PA Wire) In an emotional tribute after her death, Ms Aleena’s family said she loved to walk everywhere and called for more to be done to prevent violence against women and girls. After his arrest, 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. At an earlier hearing, the court was told that McSweeney was a prolific offender and had been released on license just days before the murder. Jordan McSweeney appears via video link from HMP Thameside during a hearing at London’s Old Bailey where he is accused of murdering law graduate Zara Aleena (PA Wire) He has 28 convictions for 69 different offences, including burglary, vehicle theft, criminal damage, assaulting police officers and assaulting bail bondsmen. Aleena’s family described her as independent, big-hearted and happy. Farah’s aunt Naz had said her niece was aware of the dangers to women following the murders of Bibaa Henry, Nicole Smallman, Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa. But she had felt safe walking in the community where she was well known. Zara Aleena was just minutes from her front door when she was attacked and killed (Average PA) Ms Naz said: “Zara was not a woman who was unaware that there were dangers in the world. He had no idea what would happen to these women. “She didn’t know she was going to be on that list because in her mind she took those precautions.” She had started work at the Royal Court five weeks before her death and was “the happiest she’s ever been”, her family said. They said in a statement: “Our loss is irreparable and the void feels insurmountable, but the warmth and kindness our community has shown is a testament to the strength of Zara’s spirit. We have been robbed of her life. It has been stolen from us all.” They said she had recently started working for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) but was also looking after her mother and grandmother and that “caring for others came so naturally to her”. Flowers were left after the vigil (PA Wire) “Zara was friendly, she was everyone’s friend. She was pure of heart,” they added. “She was a delight to all of us, her twinkling eyes and curly black hair. Her glorious laugh and her sweet, smiling voice. Her tiny frame embodied a passionate spirit and indomitable energy. “Zara was raised by our whole family. It was our love in human form.” Ms Aleena studied law at the University of Westminster and, according to her family, had completed a legal practice course before she could practice as a solicitor. “She has only recently started working for the Crown Prosecution Service to complete her two years of work to become a fully qualified barrister,” they said. Zara Aleena was allegedly murdered while returning home from a night out (PA Wire) The family said that at the age of five he said he was going to be a lawyer. “No one worked harder than Zara” is what we heard from everyone who knew her. Zara was happy and at a time in her life when her joy radiated and blossomed. “She was wild: she didn’t just survive, she thrived. “Her sense of justice and fairness led her to a life of giving and caring for others – supporting refugees escaping violence, giving a voice to those who had less power. She had this special habit of noticing others in need and always put their needs on her agenda. A carefree spirit, with the most caring heart.” The family said they were “ready to start a family of their own.” McSweeney’s hearing had been delayed after the accused was detained by Covid. His lawyer George Carter-Stephenson KC said: “He is still feeling unwell from Covid but realizes the importance of being here today.” Ms Justice Cheema-Grubb adjourned sentencing until December 14. He told McSweeney: “You pleaded guilty to very serious matters. I’m sure you appreciate the kind of punishment you will receive. “But I will listen very carefully to the Crown’s opening of the case and your submissions, so it is in your best interest to cooperate with those who represent you.” Additional report from PA
