Following a court of appeal challenge, Jordan McSweeney, the man who stalked and murdered Zara Aleena in June 2022, has had his minimum prison sentence reduced. In a ruling on 3 November, three judges found the sentencing judge had imposed too high an “uplift” to McSweeney’s minimum term and cut it to 33 years.

Thirty-year-old McSweeney had previously been sentenced to a minimum of 38 years for sexually assaulting and murdering the 35-year-old aspiring lawyer in Ilford, east London, on 26 June last year. He had been released from his latest prison sentence just nine days before the brutal attack. In those nine days, his licence had been revoked after he failed to meet probation officers, but he was not recalled to prison. 

In response to the appeal, Aleena’s family said in a statement: “Today’s decision, a decision to reduce the minimum sentence for that repugnant man, aligns with an established legal sentencing framework, a framework we comprehend. Yet, the message it conveys to women is disheartening, suggesting that a ‘life sentence’ may not truly mean a lifetime behind bars. It is, in all honesty, a shallow triumph for him.”

“Despite his sentencing to a minimum of 33 years, his time in incarceration has been marred by abhorrent conduct, marked by a lack of remorse and a callous attitude toward others,” they continued. “The prospect of his release after 33 years remains slim, but, naturally, we hope he remains imprisoned for life.”

Previously, the family had said the government and the probation service had “blood on their hands” after a report found that probation officers failed to treat her murderer as a high-risk offender when he should have been.

The report highlighted a catalogue of errors in the probation service’s handling of McSweeney, which Aleena’s family say allowed him to freely stalk and kill her. Farah Naz, Aleena’s aunt, told The Guardian: “The probation service has a big part to play in Zara’s murder, they have a responsibility here. Government bears responsibility too, it is not just the probation service. They have blood on their hands.”

As previously reported in June 2022: Aleena died from multiple injuries after she was kicked and stamped on by McSweeney, who also admitted to sexually assaulting the 35-year-old as she walked home from a night out. According to the Evening Standard, prosecutor Oliver Glasgow KC told the court McSweeney launched an attack that was “with a savagery that is almost impossible to believe”, and was seen laughing and joking with friends after the murder.

“On the night of 25 June 2022, he had left a pub in Ilford and roamed the streets looking for a woman to attack and to sexually assault,” said Mr Glasgow.

“He followed a number of different women and, given what happened to Zara, there can be no doubt that they were lucky to have escaped unharmed. Tragically for Zara Aleena, she was not as fortunate as the others.

“The defendant saw, decided to follow her and was determined to assault her. He approached her from behind, grabbed her around the neck and dragged her into a driveway.

“Despite being only yards from a public street and from onlooking houses, the defendant attacked Zara Aleena with a savagery that is almost impossible to believe.

“He repeatedly kicked and stamped on her head and body; he tore some of her clothes from her body in order that he could sexually assault her; and then he attacked her again, kicking and stamping on her face and neck, and returning several times to continue the brutal violence.”

“Finally, once satisfied that she would no longer be able to report him for what he had done, he walked away, taking her mobile telephone with him which he threw over a garden wall, thus ensuring that neither she nor anyone else who might find her could use the phone to call for help.”

Concerns around women’s safety and violence against women continue to grow in the wake of Aleena’s killing, along with the cases of Sarah Everard, Sabina Nessa, Nicole Smallman and Bibaa Henry over the past few years.

Last June, data collected by the Met, British Transport Police and City of London Police found that of London’s 46 homicide victims in 2022, 35% have been women.

In a statement released via the Met police at the time of Aleena’s death, her family called her “pure of heart” with “sparkling eyes and glorious laughter”. “She was always the bigger person in any situation. She was authentic and refused to try and impress anyone but she impressed us,” they said.

“She was the rock of our family. Zara was stoic and held it all together and never complained. She glued our community together.”

Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, said at the time he was “heartbroken” saying she “had her whole life ahead of her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and the whole community who are devastated by her death.

“There will continue to be a large police presence in the area over the coming days. Understandably, women living in the area and across London will be feeling distressed and fearful after this awful attack.”

On 15 June, Khan announced a refreshed violence against women and girls strategy to “rebuild trust and confidence” in the police.

Sam Tarry, the Labour MP for Ilford South, added that the local community had been left shaken following Aleena’s killing.

“Ilford isn’t somewhere where people generally are going to be fearful about going about their business. Like any part of London, of course, low-level crime is always an issue, but this is something which is out of the ordinary,” he said. “My message really to my constituents is that we will do everything to remember this woman who’s lost her life in this horrendous way.”

In response, Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell of the Met police insisted that tackling violence against women and girls was an “absolute priority” for the force. “Every day our officers are working with partners across the capital to improve safety in our public spaces,” he said.

“Women should not have to change their behaviour and should be able to go about their business, feeling safe, any time of day or night. It’s our job to ensure that happens – but officers cannot be in all places at all times. I would urge our community, especially women, to report any suspicious or unwanted behaviour and seek help if you feel threatened.”

Images: Metropolitan police; Getty