Today, a suspect suspected of murdering aspiring attorney Zara Aleena as she went home from a night out appeared at the Old Bailey.
26 June, early morning, Jordan McSweeney, 29, allegedly kicked and stamped on a 35-year-old woman after pulling her into a driveway on Cranbrook Road in Ilford, east London.
McSweeney attempted to rape and rob Ms. Aleena of her handbag, cell phone, and house keys.
He wore a grey tracksuit to court and spoke to prove his identity.
The charges against McSweeney include murder, robbery, and attempted rape.
The defense attorney, George Carter-Stephenson, KC, requested that McSweeney not enter a plea today while additional mental and psychological assessments are prepared.
The 29-year-old Jordan McSweeney allegedly attacked the 35-year-old as she walked home after a night out with friends.
Zara, who had recently begun working at the Royal Courts of Justice, died of severe force trauma and neck compression, according to an autopsy.
Mrs. Justice Cheema-Grubb set his trial date for December 5th last week.
Later today, the court will set the next date for McSweeney’s plea and trial preparation hearing.
Earlier, prosecutor Oliver Glasgow, KC, informed the court that McSweeney was charged “in connection with the brutal death of Zara, who was attacked in the early hours of June 26.”
Her body was discovered in the driveway of Cranbrook Road, prompting the dispatch of emergency personnel.
In June of this year, forensic officers were on the scene in east London following the death of Zara.
Ms. Aleena, who had just begun working at the Royal Courts of Justice, succumbed to severe brain injuries after being assaulted. Her shouts roused adjacent homeowners, who dialed 999 in a panic.
The paramedics did CPR for two hours before transporting Ms. Aleena to the hospital at approximately 4 a.m. She was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Ms. Aleena’s family posted a tribute earlier this year that read, “Zara, 35, a valued human, kid, niece, cousin, granddaughter, and friend to all, was a source of joy for all of us.
Flowers and memorials were placed outside the residence of 35-year-old Zara Aleena, who was murdered in the early hours of June 26.
In honor to the law graduate, family, friends, and members of the public held a vigil in Ilford, east London, dressed in white.
She cared for both her mother and grandmother. Caring for others was something that came so readily to her.
“Zara was friendly; she had friends everywhere. She was the daughter of everyone, the niece of everyone, the sister of everyone, and the cousin of everyone. She has a pure heart.
Her dazzling eyes and jet-black, wavy hair made her a delight for all of us. Her magnificent chuckle and beautiful, smiling voice. Her diminutive stature represented a fervent personality and irrepressible vitality.
They stated that she aspired to be a lawyer since she was five years old and that she “placed her party shoes in her bag” and “walked everywhere” because “she believed a woman should be entitled to walk home.”
McSweeney, of Dagenham’s Church Elm Lane, is charged with murder, robbery, and attempted rape.