Zara Aleena's murderer Jordan McSweeney 'can't be bothered' to attend court over 'inappropriate relationship'

Zara Aleena's killer, Jordan McSweeney, has snubbed a court hearing related to an alleged "inappropriate relationship" with a prison workshop instructor.

The 31 year old did not show up for the Woolwich Crown Court session on Wednesday, with HMP Long Lartin staff reporting he "can't be bothered" to attend via video link.

Hayley Jones, 33, also implicated in the case, faces charges of acting in a manner "which amounted to an abuse of the public's trust".

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A Long Lartin staff member informed Judge David Miller through video link: "I despatched an officer at 13:30 to collect him from his prison cell."

They continued, "At 13:40 I got a message saying he had refused to attend because he can't be bothered". When Judge Miller queried, "Is that a quote? ", the staff member confirmed, "Yes".

Judge Miller warned: "If he continues to refuse to engage with proceedings then proceedings will go ahead in his absence." He emphasised, "He must be reminded about the consequences of not being bothered to engage next time."

It was also revealed in court that McSweeney declined to sign documents acknowledging his non-attendance. McSweeney and Jones are charged over an illicit affair at HMP Belmarsh.

Jones, hailing from Strood in Kent, who made a personal appearance on Wednesday, is accused of misconduct in a public office from March 6, 2023, to April 7, 2023.

McSweeney faces charges for encouraging or assisting in the commission of an indictable offence. During the brief hearing, no pleas were entered to the charges. The case has been postponed until October 31.

McSweeney murdered 35 year old Ms Aleena as she was returning home from a night out in Ilford, east London, in the early hours of June 26, 2022.

After confessing to sexually assaulting and murdering her, he was given a life sentence with a minimum term of 38 years at the Old Bailey in December 2022. In November 2023, he succeeded in his Court of Appeal bid to reduce the minimum term of his life sentence to 33 years.