The aunt of Zara Aleena, a law graduate who was murdered last year, has raised concerns after reports emerged that her killer, Jordan McSweeney, had a sexual relationship with a prison worker while incarcerated. Farah Naz has questioned the safety measures within the UK’s most secure prison, Belmarsh, after the report of the alleged incident earlier this year was made public. The unnamed woman was arrested in April and is being investigated for alleged misconduct in public office, and is thought to have started the relationship just months after McSweeney began his life sentence.
Ms Naz has stated that the revelation contradicts the principle of justice, which advocates for life in prison for violent criminal offenders. She argues that McSweeney, who had a nationally recognised history of committing brutal crimes, should not have been allowed close proximity to a female worker who lacked the training to deal with such situations. The report of the alleged relationship has led to concerns about safety and security within the prison, and the Prison Service has confirmed that investigations are ongoing, but would not comment further.
Ms Aleena was murdered in June last year after a night out with friends, when McSweeney, who had been released from prison just nine days prior after his parole was revoked, attacked and beat her for nine minutes. Previously convicted 69 times, McSweeney had a history of violent and racially motivated crimes. In November, his minimum 38-year sentence was reduced to at least 33 years, to the “extreme disappointment” of Ms Aleena’s family.
Ms Naz said she became aware of the alleged sexual relationship earlier this year, after it was reported by The Sun. The story has since been picked up by other newspapers, and was raised during a meeting with Justice Secretary Alex Chalk in June. Belmarsh is one of only three high-security core prisons in England and Wales, and prison staff found guilty of inappropriate relationships with prisoners can be sent to prison themselves for misconduct in public office
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