Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Inquest reveals 'delays in paperwork' to recall Zara Aleena's killer

Jordan McSweeney killed the 35-year-old law graduate on 26 June 2022.

Inquest reveals 'delays in paperwork' to recall Zara Aleena's killer

DOCUMENTATION delays postponed the recall of Zara Aleena's murderer to prison, just days before he fatally attacked her, an inquest disclosed.

Jordan McSweeney, who fatally assaulted the 35-year-old law graduate in June 2022, had breached the terms of his release from prison. The paperwork for his recall was initiated on 22 June, two days before he killed Aleena, and was signed on 24 June.


At a hearing in east London Coroner's Court, it was revealed that there were delays in sending the necessary paperwork to initiate McSweeney's recall to prison.

Chief probation officer Kim Thornden-Edwards acknowledged these delays and admitted there were also delays in assigning McSweeney's case to a probation officer.

McSweeney, known to police as a serial offender, had a history of 28 convictions for 69 offenses, including burglary and assault. Despite his criminal history, he was rated as a medium risk for serious re-offending, even after being arrested for murder, a fact deemed peculiar by the court.

During the inquest, it was highlighted that McSweeney should have been considered a high-risk offender as early as 2021, according to evidence provided by the Probation Service.

Rajeev Thacker, representing Aleena's family, also highlighted delays in initiating McSweeney's recall paperwork

The court heard testimony from Annie Rudge, a probation service officer, who stated she had no direct contact with McSweeney prior to his release from prison in 2020.

The purpose of the inquest, as outlined by area coroner Nadia Persaud, is to scrutinise the circumstances surrounding Aleena's death and determine whether any actions or oversights by state bodies contributed to her demise.

Farah Naz, Aleena's aunt, expressed the family's anguish, stating their belief that the justice system had failed to prevent Zara's death.

McSweeney was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 38 years in December 2022 after pleading guilty to Aleena's murder and sexual assault. However, in November 2023, he succeeded in reducing the minimum term of his life sentence through a Court of Appeal bid.

The inquest into Aleena's tragic death continues.

More For You

The meeting between Trump and William took place at the UK ambassador's residence in Paris after the event. (Photo: Getty Images)
The meeting between Trump and William took place at the UK ambassador's residence in Paris after the event. (Photo: Getty Images)

Trump meets Prince William at Notre Dame reopening

US president-elect Donald Trump met Prince William on Saturday during the reopening ceremony of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

The event marked the restoration of the historic landmark following a major fire in 2019.

Keep ReadingShow less
Princess of Wales hosts emotional Christmas service
Kate attends the "Together At Christmas" Carol Service" at Westminster Abbey in London on December 6, 2024. (Photo by ISABEL INFANTES/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Princess of Wales hosts emotional Christmas service

PRINCESS OF WALES, Kate Middleton, hosted a Christmas service at Westminster Abbey on Friday (6) that reflected on "the most difficult times" as she returns to public life after her cancer diagnosis.

The London carol service intended to "reflect upon the importance of love and empathy, and how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives", according to Kensington Palace office.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rotherham sexual assault convict to be released from prison: report
Banaras Hussain

Rotherham sexual assault convict to be released from prison: report

A MAN convicted of violent sexual offences in Rotherham is set to be released from prison on licence after serving nine years of a 19-year sentence.

The crimes of Banaras Hussain, 44, included rape, indecent assault, and actual bodily harm, were part of a prolonged pattern of abuse targeting vulnerable victims, some as young as 11.

Keep ReadingShow less
Birmingham gang convicted for £2.5m Covid fraud

Birmingham gang convicted for £2.5m Covid fraud

TWELVE members of an organised crime group from Birmingham, Walsall, and Yorkshire have been found guilty of defrauding over £2.5 million in Covid support grants through fraudulent claims.

The crime group exploited non-trading businesses and stolen identities to submit multiple Covid support claims, including Bounce Back Loans, HMRC payments, and various grants set up to assist struggling businesses and individuals during the pandemic.

Keep ReadingShow less
Migrant workers key to meet housing target, warn builders
Construction workers work on building residential houses and homes at a Homes by Strata building site, in Leeds, northern England on September 4, 2024. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Migrant workers key to meet housing target, warn builders

THE UK must urgently address a construction skills shortage, including by increasing migrant worker numbers, to achieve prime minister's target of building 1.5 million homes by the end of this parliamentary term, industry leaders have warned.

The National Federation of Builders, which represents small and medium-sized contractors, highlighted the scale of the challenge, pointing to an ageing workforce and declining numbers of apprentices, the Telegraph reported.

Keep ReadingShow less