A PRISON worker accused of having an “inappropriate relationship” with Zara Aleena’s killer while in Britain’s most secure prison has appeared in court.
Hayley Jones is accused of having a one-month relationship with Jordan McSweeney, 31, after becoming intimate with him at HMP Belmarsh.
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Hayley Jones reportedly had a month-long relationship with killer Jordan McSweeneyCredit: Doug Seeburg
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McSweeney was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Zara AleenaCredit: PA
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Zara was found partially clothed and breathing heavily Credit: PA
The 33-year-old appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court today charged with misconduct in public office, which carries a life sentence.
She spoke to confirm her full name, date of birth and address during the brief hearing.
McSweeney – who is serving a life sentence for Zara’s murder – is charged with aiding or abetting the commission of the offense charged.
The couple was reportedly in a relationship between March 6, 2023 and April 7, 2023.
McSweeney also appeared in court via video link from HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire.
In a gray prison tracksuit, he is shown sitting at a table in a common room with his head resting on his hand.
Jones was granted conditional bail and is not allowed to contact McSweeney or visit the prison where he is being held.
The case was adjourned to be heard at Woolwich Crown Court on September 25.
Jones, from Strood, Kent, was arrested in April last year after officers received allegations of misconduct.
She was also suspended from her role as a workshop instructor at Britain’s most secure prison after the claim came to light.
Monstrum ADMITS dragging Zara Aleena (35) to the driveway and beating her to death just days after being released from prison
McSweeney had been released from prison just nine days before pouncing on Zara, 35, as she walked home.
His license was revoked after he failed to meet with probation officers, but he was not returned to prison.
This meant that the predator could freely roam the streets in search of a victim.
On the night of Zara’s murder, McSweeney was caught on CCTV stalking the streets of East London.
At least four other women managed to escape the killer’s clutches as he followed them into the darkness.
After turning on Zara, a law graduate, McSweeney dragged her into the driveway where he repeatedly kicked and stomped on her.
Horrified neighbors who heard her screams discovered Zara partially clothed and struggling to breathe.
She later died in hospital.
The up-and-coming barrister had just started working at the Royal Courts of Justice when she was murdered in June 2022.
In December of that year, McSweeney was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 38 years after admitting murder and sexual assault.
This was later reduced to 33 years after a successful appeal at the Court of Appeal.
A Prison Service spokesman said: “It would be inappropriate to comment on legal proceedings live.”
Timeline: How Zara Aleena’s murder revealed ‘a crumbling justice system’
Author: Harry Goodwin
June 26, 2022
In the early morning hours of June 26, 2022, Jordan McSweeney was caught on CCTV stalking the streets of East London.
At least four other women managed to escape the killer’s clutches as he followed them into the darkness.
One even fled seeking safety to a house on the same street where Zara was brutally murdered.
Evil McSweeney pounced on Zara as she walked home – just nine days after he was released from prison.
december 2022
McSweeney was jailed for life with a minimum sentence of 38 years at the Old Bailey after admitting Zara’s murder and sexual assault.
McSweeney’s license at the time was revoked after he failed to meet with probation officers due to a string of offences.
But he was not called to prison – and freely roamed the streets looking for a victim.
McSweeney had a license for felony assault, racial harassment and unauthorized possession of a knife in prison.
November 2023
McSweeney won an appeals court bid to reduce the minimum sentence to 33 years.
June 2024
Failures “across multiple agencies” contributed to Zara’s death, an inquest jury found.
Her aunt Farah Naz slammed the authorities after the inquest, saying “her brutal murder could and should have been prevented”.
She said her niece’s killing showed “a crumbling justice system that is meant to protect all of us, especially women and girls.”
Zara died in the hospital from a head injury and pressure on the neck with a blunt object, the inquest jury announced.
Her family previously told the inquest they were “tormented by the thought that Zara’s death could have been prevented”.
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Jones hid her face as she left Wimbledon Magistrates’ CourtCredit: PA
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The 33-year-old was released on conditional bailCredit: Doug Seeburg
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Zara was attacked while walking home in East LondonCredit: PA
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McSweeney was released from prison just nine days before Credit: PA
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He was seen following Zara on the night of her murder
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education