The alleged killer Zara Aleena will stand trial in December for murder, attempted rape and robbery, a High Court judge ruled on Wednesday (19).
Jordan McSweeney, 29, reportedly attacked Aleena, 35, when she was walking home after a night out in Ilford, east London, on June 26. He is also accused of robbing her mobile phone, keys and handbag.
According to reports, Aleena was dragged into a driveway in Cranbrook Road and the attacker kicked and stamped on her.
Prosecutor Oliver Glasgow KC said McSweeney is accused of causing the 'violent death of Zara Aleena who was attacked in the early hours of the morning of June 26'.
Aleena sustained severe head injuries and was struggling to breathe when emergency services arrived. An autopsy later revealed that she died from blunt force trauma injury and neck compression.
She had a law degree from the University of Westminster and wanted to be a solicitor. She just started work at the Royal Courts of Justice.
McSweeney, of Dagenham, east London, failed to appear from HMP Belmarsh for the hearing at the Old Bailey on Wednesday.
During the hearing, Justice Cheema-Grubb fixed December 5, 2022, as the trial date.
"The 48-hour bail hearing took place in this case back in July. At present all parties should be working towards the date. I propose to maintain that proposed trial date for December 5," she is reported to have said.
In a tribute, her family said that her loss was 'irreparable and the void feels insurmountable.'
"Zara was friendly, she was everybody’s friend. She was everybody’s daughter, everybody’s niece, everybody’s sister, everybody’s cousin. She was pure of heart. She was a joy to all of us, her sparkling eyes and the curly, jet-black hair. Her glorious laughter and her sweet, smiling voice. Her tiny frame embodied a passionate spirit and indomitable energy.
“Zara was happy and at a point in her life when her joy was radiating and blossoming. She was ready to make a family of her own. Her sense of justice and fairness led her to a life of giving and caring for others – supporting refugees fleeing violence, giving voice to those who had less power."
According to the family, she had special habit of noticing others in need and always put their needs on her agenda. A carefree spirit, with the most caring heart, the tribute said.
Clifford had previously pleaded guilty to the murders of BBC sports commentator John Hunt’s wife and two daughters at their home in northwest of London, in July 2024. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Crossbow murderer found guilty of raping ex-girlfriend
A 26-YEAR-OLD man who murdered three women in a crossbow and stabbing attack has been found guilty of raping one of them, his ex-girlfriend, a British court ruled on Thursday.
Kyle Clifford had previously pleaded guilty to the murders of BBC sports commentator John Hunt’s wife and two daughters at their home in Bushey, northwest of London, in July 2024.
The attack led to a manhunt before Clifford was found injured hours later in a north London cemetery.
A jury at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday convicted Clifford of raping 25-year-old Louise Hunt before killing her.
His sentencing for all the crimes is scheduled for Tuesday.
Clifford had admitted to murdering Carol Hunt, 61, and her daughters Louise and Hannah, 28. He had also pleaded guilty to charges of false imprisonment and possessing offensive weapons but denied raping Louise.
During the trial, the court heard that after killing Carol Hunt, Clifford waited for an hour before attacking Louise, tying her up, raping her, and then killing her with a crossbow. He later killed Hannah when she returned home from work.
The prosecution described Clifford, a former soldier, as committing a "violent, sexual act of spite" and said he was "enraged" after Louise ended their 18-month relationship. They told the court that he had "carefully planned" the attack.
Less than 24 hours before the killings, Clifford had searched for a podcast by social media influencer Andrew Tate, according to the prosecution. They argued that the murders were driven by the "violent misogyny promoted" by Tate.
Justice Joel Bennathan called Clifford’s crimes "dreadful" and "almost unspeakable".
(With inputs from AFP)