Zara Aleena’s killer Jordan McSweeney ‘started blaze during prison riot that saw a guard stabbed in the face’
ZARA Aleena's killer Jordan McSweeney allegedly started a blaze during a prison riot that saw a guard stabbed in the face.
The twisted 29-year-old thug pleaded guilty to murder and sexual assault at the Old Bailey yesterday as Zara's family watched on.
McSweeney had been released from a prison sentence just days before he pounced on the 35-year-old as she walked home in the early hours on June 26.
The creep has 28 previous convictions for 69 offences - including burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, driving offences, criminal property, assaults on police and assaults on members of the public.
And it has been revealed that McSweeney helped spark chaos by starting a fire in cells at Swaleside Prison on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, according to
McSweeney was one of two inmates charged over the disturbance which began on the afternoon of October 4, 2014 and escalated into the night.
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During the mayhem, two inmates gained access to the metal netting above the cells.
One officer was viciously attacked with a blade leaving him needing hospital treatment for a wound to the scalp.
Specialist staff were called to handle the situation and two prisoners were placed in isolation.
Court documents obtained by MyLondon show McSweeney was accused of causing between £5,000 and £15,000 worth of damage at the prison.
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However, McSweeney's involvement in the incidents was not detailed.
Two years after the incident with McSweeney, Swaleside gained infamy when rioting prisoners took over a wing of the prison.
Yesterday, prosecutor Oliver Glasgow KC said McSweeney launched an "attack upon a lone female late at night making her way home, a woman who stood no chance".
The court heard previously how Zara was returning home from a night out on June 26 when the horror unfolded.
Her final movements showed her being followed by McSweeney as she walked on the residential road.
Zara was discovered partially clothed and struggling to breath by horrified neighbours who heard her screams.
A post-mortem gave her cause of death as blunt force trauma injury and neck compression.
McSweeney was identified as Zara's killer after chilling footage showed him stalking then attacking her.
Cameras had followed him to the grotty caravan where he was staying while working at a nearby funfair.
Officers searching the home found "blood stained clothing and shoes".
They also discovered fingerprints in blood stains on a wall where Zara was attacked that matched McSweeney.
Zara's family paid tribute to her in a heart-breaking statement following her death.
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They also revealed she had wanted to be a lawyer from the age of five and that she "put her party shoes in her bag" and "walked everywhere" because "she believed that a woman should be able to walk home".
McSweeney will be sentenced on December 14.
