Prison officer jailed for inappropriate affair with killer Jordan McSweeney
A female prison officer has been sentenced to nine months behind bars after admitting to an inappropriate relationship with Jordan McSweeney, the convicted murderer of Zara Aleena.
CCTV Reveals Steamy Encounters Behind Bars
Hayley Jones, 34, a workshop officer at HMP Belmarsh in Thamesmead, was caught on CCTV kissing, touching, and embracing McSweeney inside the prison workshop between March and April 2023.
Footage showed the pair entering rooms out of camera sight and adjusting their clothing afterwards — raising suspicions of sexual activity. Jones denied having sex but admitted to the physical intimacy.
A prison-guard intercepted letter quoted McSweeney bragging to an inmate, saying he had been “f*ing the fat thing from the workshop” for 10 months and claimed she smuggled him contraband, including a phone. He boasted, “Man was living good.”
Daily Misconduct Ignored Despite Warnings
At Woolwich Crown Court, prosecutor Polly Dyer told jurors the pair engaged in near-daily inappropriate conduct. This ranged from games to intimate acts like bum-pinching and neck-grabbing.
Jones, who had worked at Belmarsh since 2018 and received misconduct training, was previously warned about McSweeney’s behaviour. Yet, she failed to report the growing relationship.
Defence Lawyer Blames Manipulative Killer
Jones’ defence described McSweeney as a “manipulative career criminal” who preyed on her vulnerabilities. Her lawyer stated Jones, a mother, simply “liked the attention” and ended up in a dangerous dynamic with a violent prisoner.
“She’s alone in a space with someone with a history of violence towards women. He showed interest in her, and she didn’t report it as she should have. That’s a regret that will remain with her for the rest of her life.”
Judge Slams Officer’s “Clear Breach” of Professional Standards
Sentencing Jones, Judge David Miller emphasised the evidence showed mutual fondness and physical intimacy.
“There is no sign this was unwanted. You emerged from off-camera areas adjusting clothing, and there was a clear breach of professional standards.
“The public and prison staff must know that misconduct of this kind will result in an immediate prison sentence.”
McSweeney Still Locked Up for Zara Aleena’s Murder
Jordan McSweeney murdered 35-year-old Zara Aleena in a savage 2022 attack as she walked home in east London. He was handed life with a minimum of 33 years after a successful appeal reduced his sentence from 38 years.
McSweeney was initially charged with assisting misconduct in public office, but the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charge after Jones pleaded guilty, citing insufficient evidence.
“McSweeney remains behind bars. While Jones pleaded guilty, there was not enough evidence to pursue a further conviction against McSweeney for this relationship,” a CPS spokesperson said.
Remembering Zara Aleena
Zara Aleena, a law graduate, was remembered by her family as a bright, kind, and ambitious woman taken far too soon. Her tragic death sparked national outrage and renewed calls for tougher protections to combat violence against women.
