Killer of law graduate Zara Aleena challenges sentence
A sexual predator who stalked and killed law graduate Zara Aleena in East London last year challenged his sentence, claiming it’s “manifestly excessive.”
At a Friday, October 20 hearing, Jordan McSweeney appeared via video link from Long Lartin prison in Worcestershire to appeal the minimum term of his sentence.
McSweeney, 29, stalked Aleena, 35, as she walked home along Cranbrook Road in Ilford, East London, on June 26, 2022. He grabbed her from behind, dragged her into a driveway, and killed her. The attack, captured on CCTV, lasted nine minutes and resulted in 46 injuries.
He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 38 years after admitting to the murder and sexual assault of Aleena.
McSweeney had already targeted at least five women and stalked two lone women in the hours before he killed Aleena. He had been released from prison on licence on June 17, 2022, just nine days before the murder. During that time, he missed all his meetings with probation workers and his licence was revoked.
According to his barrister, George Carter-Stephenson KC, the sentencing judge, Justice Cheema-Grubb, incorrectly considered “aggravating features” in the case. While acknowledging the sexual motive, he asserted that the murder was not premeditated. He argued that the victim’s resistance escalated the level of aggression during the assault.
“The attack was an opportunistic act rather than anything that was planned in advance, though there was clearly a sexual encounter in mind,” said his barrister.
The barrister also argued that the sentencing judge should have considered his ADHD diagnosis when determining his sentence.
However, Oliver Glasgow KC, representing the Crown Prosecution Service, refuted the notion that McSweeney did not intend to kill Aleena, deeming it “unsustainable.” Glasgow informed the court that McSweeney intended to evade potential identification by any victim.
Victim family appalled
Aleena’s family said her killer’s appeal had “reignited the agony” of her murder. Her aunt, Farah Naz, called it “beyond belief” that he would dare to appeal his sentence.
“This appeal, coming after a trial where he was sentenced, has reignited the agony of the atrocious crime committed. We firmly believe that his minimum sentence should not be reduced, and he should serve life imprisonment for the inhuman act he committed,” said Naz.
Naz said McSweeney’s behaviour showed his “enduring disregard for all,” especially when he left the hearing early before it was completed. After he left, an unnamed prison officer said McSweeney had “heard enough and has got everything he requires in his cell.”
“He has consistently displayed a complete lack of remorse in his behaviour, and today, his indifference and impoliteness when leaving the prison’s video room, declaring he had heard enough, during the ongoing proceedings, were nothing short of expected,” Naz said.
After McSweeney’s sentencing last year, Naz opened up about how the family would never find solace as the thoughts of her death plagued them. She suggested that a possible path forward for the family could involve helping families of women who face similar tragic fates.
Keeping your loved ones safe
This case should pose a constant reminder that anyone can become a target of criminals. High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and their families are at a particularly increased risk of becoming targets due to their wealth and status. These assets make them attractive targets for kidnappings, sexual assaults, extortions, robberies, and other crimes.
Consider investing in the services of a security company for extra protection, which may be provided, for instance, through close protection officers. Close protection officers are highly trained professionals who can provide personal security and protection for you and your loved ones in varying settings.
Their services usually include walking clients to and from their homes or vehicles, accompanying their clients to events or public places, and even providing security for the clients’ homes or businesses.
Source:
https://metro.co.uk/2023/10/19/zara-aleena-killer-early-prison-release-bid-19690853/
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-67160355
