A prison workshop instructor has been charged with engaging in an “inappropriate relationship” with Jordan McSweeney, the convicted murderer of Zara Aleena.
Hayley Jones, 33, allegedly formed a close bond with McSweeney, 31, who is currently serving a 38-year sentence at HMP Belmarsh, one of the UK’s most secure prisons.
McSweeney was convicted of murdering Zara Aleena, a 35-year-old law student, in Ilford, east London, just days after his release from prison for robbery. He brutally attacked her, dragging her into a driveway and repeatedly kicking and stamping on her, with prosecutors describing his actions as exhibiting “savagery that is almost impossible to believe.”
Jones was arrested in April last year following an allegation of inappropriate conduct and was subsequently suspended from her role.
Zara Aleena’s aunt, Farah Naz, expressed outrage over the situation, telling The Sun: “This undermines the notion of justice. When he was sentenced to life imprisonment, I reassured my family that justice had been served and his life was effectively over.
This situation defies the principles of justice and exposes serious systemic failures. We must understand and uncover how a Class A prisoner—convicted of murder and sexual offences in a high-security prison—was left alone with a female prison worker long enough to form a relationship and engage in sexual activities allegedly.”
The incident has raised serious concerns about Belmarsh Prison’s management practices, including the screening processes for prison staff and the adequacy of supervision.
A Prison Service spokesperson declined to comment: “It would be inappropriate to comment on live legal proceedings.”
During a brief hearing on Wednesday, the case was adjourned until 25 September at Woolwich Crown Court.
Jones was granted conditional bail and has been ordered not to contact McSweeney or visit the prison where he is being held.
