Jailed killer Jordan McSweeney struck just nine days after parole release
Jordan McSweeney, 29, attacked Zara Aleena in June 2022 a mere nine days after being freed on parole. The brutal assault shocked the nation and raised urgent questions about how dangerous offenders are supervised.
Repeat offender with a terrifying past
McSweeney was locked up for 38 years at the Old Bailey in December for the “terrifying and ruthless” attack on 35-year-old Zara Aleena. The court revealed he had racked up a staggering 28 convictions since 2006, covering 69 crimes.
- His record includes racially motivated offences, assaults on police, driving offences, battery, and attacks on ex-partners.
- He was released on licence on June 17, 2022, after serving part of his sentence but quickly breached conditions by missing probation appointments.
- Despite licence revocation on June 24, McSweeney was still prowling Ilford’s streets when he attacked Ms Aleena on June 26.
Justice Secretary orders urgent review
Justice Secretary Dominic Raab has launched an immediate probe into how probation staff managed McSweeney’s release. The killer should have been classed as “high risk of serious harm,” said probation chief inspector Justin Russell.
“If properly assessed, quicker action would have brought McSweeney back behind bars after missing his probation meetings,” Russell said.
Government vows to fix serious failings
Prisons and Probation Minister Damian Hinds issued a stark apology to Zara Aleena’s family for the system’s “unacceptable failings.” He promised sweeping reforms:
- Mandatory risk assessment training for probation officers
- New procedures to ensure fast recall of offenders who breach licence terms
- Disciplinary action for failings within the probation service
- A £155 million annual boost to hire thousands more probation officers
“These tough new measures will protect the public and help make sure tragedies like Zara Aleena’s murder never happen again,” said Hinds.
