King’s Speech: Zara Aleena’s family ‘applaud’ tougher sentences in Criminal Justice Bill

The family of Zara Aleena has welcomed measures outlined in the King’s Speech to introduce more stringent sentencing for rape and sexually motivated murder.

King Charles III announced government legislation ministers for the coming year at the State Opening of Parliament on Tuesday morning (November 7).

The first King’s Speech in 73 years included a series of criminal justice measures where the worst offenders will not only be kept behind bars for longer, but also forced to face their victims in court.

The new Sentencing Bill will ensure whole life orders for the “most horrific murderers” and that rapists will spend more time in jail.

The Victims and Prisoners Bill includes an end to parole for the worst offenders and a prohibition on their marrying in prison.

Ms Aleena’s aunt, Farah Naz, has been campaigning for legislative changes after her niece’s killer Jordan McSweeney refused to appear at the dock for his initial sentencing last December.

Ms Aleena died from multiple injuries after she was kicked and stamped on by McSweeney in the early hours of June 26 2022, who was on probation at the time. CCTV footage showed him stalking the streets of Ilford, Redbridge, looking for a woman to attack.

Ms Sweeney, 29, was originally sentenced to a minimum of 38 years in prison for the murder and sexual assault of the 35-year-old law graduate.

Last Friday (November 3) three judges at the appeal court in London found the sentencing Mrs Justice Cheema Grubb had imposed too high an "uplift" to McSweeney’s minimum term, and cut it to 33 years.

The family of Ms Aleena described the reduction of McSweeney’s sentencing as “disheartening message to women”, branding him a “repugnant” man.

Ms Naz says the family welcomes the legislative changes outlined in the King’s Speech.

“We applaud the legal changes outlined in the King’s Speech today, which align with some of the initiatives we’ve championed through our campaigns,” Ms Naz told LondonWorld.

“The mandate for criminals to attend their sentencing is a welcome step, and we hope it’s implemented in a sustainable manner with the support of the legal community, prison staff, and probation officers.

“Furthermore, we are resolutely behind and pleased with the new ruling to introduce more stringent sentencing for rape and sexually motivated murder. This sends a resounding message to potential offenders and serves as a potent deterrent.

“It is regrettable that such measures weren’t in place in Zara’s case, where, ironically, the man who murdered her received a reduction in his minimum sentence just days ago.

“Nevertheless, Zara’s legacy endures as a catalyst for reshaping how society safeguards women.”

Ms Aleena was walking home along Cranbrook Road in Ilford in the early hours of Sunday June 26 2022 when she was approached from behind and dragged into a driveway by McSweeney.

He subjected her to a brutal attack, returning multiple times to deliver repeated blows, leaving her with significant injuries.

Neighbours and passers-by tried their best to provide first aid to Ms Aleena until the arrival of paramedics, with one person giving her CPR. She was rushed to hospital but died later that morning.