Prison trainer had ‘inappropriate relationship’ with killer

A prison teacher accused of having an ‘innapropriate relationship’ with Zara Aleena’s murderer has appeared in court. 

Hayley Jones, 33, acted in a way ‘which amounted to an abuse of the public’s trust’ during a relationship with Jordan McSweeney, 31, who is serving at least 33 years in HMP Belmarsh for the murder of Ms Aleena, it is alleged.

McSweeney, who killed the 35-year-old law graduate as she walked home from a night out in Ilford, east London, in the early hours of June 26 2022, nine days after he was released from prison, appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court via video-link today.

Jones, of Strood in Kent, who appeared in person, is accused of misconduct in a public office between March 6 2023 and April 7 2023 – an offence which could lead to life imprisonment.

Jordan McSweeney, 31, is serving at least 33 years in HMP Belmarsh for the murder of Ms Aleena, it is alleged

McSweeney was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 38 years at the Old Bailey in December 2022 after admitting sexually assaulting and murdering Ms Aleena (pictured)

McSweeney has been charged with encouraging or assisting the commission of an indictable offence.

During a short hearing on Wednesday, the case was adjourned until September 25 at Woolwich Crown Court.

Jones was granted conditional bail and must not contact McSweeney or visit the prison where he is being held.

McSweeney was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 38 years at the Old Bailey in December 2022 after admitting sexually assaulting and murdering Ms Aleena.

In November 2023, he won a Court of Appeal bid to reduce the minimum term of his life sentence to 33 years.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.