Tributes to Zara as man appears in court charged with murder
ZArA Aleena’s family paid her a moving tribute yesterday as a 29-year-old man appeared in court charged with the law graduate’s murder and attempted rape.
The 35-year-old, who had recently begun working for the royal Courts of Justice, was beaten to death as she walked home in the early hours of Sunday.
her family said the University of Westminster graduate had been determined to become a lawyer from the age of five and was completing a two-year placement to become a fully qualified solicitor.
‘She was fierce: she didn’t just survive, she thrived,’ they said in a statement.
‘She was a joy to all of us, her sparkling eyes and the curly, jet- black hair. her glorious laughter and her sweet, smiling voice. her tiny frame embodied a passionate spirit and indomitable energy.’
Miss Aleena’s relatives compared her brutal death in Ilford to the murders of other women including Sarah everard, Sabina Nessa, Nicole Smallman and Bibaa henry.
‘She walked everywhere. She put her party shoes in a bag and donned her trainers,’ they said. ‘ Zara believed that a woman should be able to walk home. Now, her dreams of a family are shattered, her future brutally taken.
‘Sadly, Zara is not the only one who has had her life taken at the hands of a stranger. We all know women should be safe on our streets. She was in the heart of her community, ten minutes from home. We all need to be talking about what happened to our Zara.’
They added: ‘These last few days have been shocking and unimaginable. In a savage, sickening, act she was murdered by a stranger. In the moment of this tragedy, we extend our deepest sympathy and love to the families of Bibaa henry, Nicole Smallman, Sarah everard, Sabina Nessa, Ashling Murphy and many more women. We must stop violence against women and girls.’
Jordan McSweeney, from Dagenham, east London, appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court in a prison tracksuit and spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address. his lawyer said there would be no indication of plea to the counts of murder, attempted rape and stealing Miss Aleena’s phone, handbag and keys. he will next appear at the Old Bailey tomorrow. Dozens of flowers, cards, candles and banners have been laid out at the scene where Miss Aleena, pictured, was killed. One note said: ‘I just can’t believe this happened to someone as innocent as you. Only god knows what you were going through during this ordeal.’ A card apparently from her nephew said: ‘Love you always.’ A vigil for Miss Aleena is to take place on Saturday, with mourners walking from the site of her attack to her home nearby. Friends who knew McSweeney growing up told of their shock. ‘he was a cheeky young lad, I can’t believe it,’ said one. Another said: ‘he doted on his mum. She will be devastated.’
‘She was a joy to all of us’