The family of a woman who was brutally murdered have called for an investigation after a female prison worker was charged with having an inappropriate relationship with her killer.

Jordan McSweeney, from Rochester, killed law graduate Zara Aleena, 35, as she walked home from a night out in Ilford in the early hours of June 26, 2022.

He was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 38 years at the Old Bailey in December 2022 after admitting Zara’s murder and sexual assault.

In November 2023, he won a Court of Appeal bid to reduce the minimum term of his life sentence.

McSweeney had been released from prison on licence just nine days before the killing, but had breached his conditions and was recalled to prison on June 22.

The police were given powers to arrest him two days later, but delays in the necessary paperwork meant the police were unable to arrest him before he killed Zara.

Now, McSweeney is to appear in court alongside a prison workshop instructor who is charged with misconduct in a public office over an alleged inappropriate relationship with him.

He appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court this morning (August 28) alongside Hayley Jones.

Jones, 33, of Peterborough Gardens, Strood, has been charged with misconduct in a public office over an alleged inappropriate relationship with McSweeney between March 6, 2023, and April 7, 2023, at HMP Belmarsh.

McSweeney has been charged with encouraging or assisting the commission of an indictable offence.

The case was adjourned to Woolwich Crown Court on September 25.

Speaking to MailOnline, Zara’s aunt Farah Naz has revealed the family wants an investigation into the alleged relationship.

She explained: “The inquest into our dear Zara’s death revealed systemic flaws that allowed her murder to occur. Now, we see further evidence of more failures within the justice system.

“When he was sentenced to life imprisonment, I assured my family that justice had been served.

“It is deeply troubling to learn that the prison system had failed to manage a Class A prisoner just four months into his life sentence.

“We must investigate how and why a sexual predator and murderer of a woman was apparently left alone with a female staff member...”

“This situation not only defies justice but also highlights serious systemic failures.

“We must investigate how a high-security prisoner was apparently left alone with a female staff member.

“We must examine Belmarsh Prison’s management practices, staff screening, and supervision.

“We must investigate how and why a sexual predator and murderer of a woman was apparently left alone with a female staff member.”

Ms Naz acknowledged that Jones has been charged, but said “this does not resolve the core issue of how such a serious breach happened”.

Jones was reportedly arrested in June last year and suspended from duties after an allegation of inappropriate conduct was reported to police officers.

A prison service spokesperson said: 'It would be inappropriate to comment on live legal proceedings.”