Zara Aleena Murder
(Picture: John Dunne/PA)The alleged killer of aspiring lawyer Zara Aleena who was left for dead on an Ilford driveway is to stand trial in December, the Old Bailey has heard.
Jordan McSweeney, 29, is accused of attacking Ms Aleena, allegedly leaving her fatally injured and struggling for breath on the driveway of a residential home.
The alleged murder happened about around 2.45am on June 26.
At the Old Bailey on Wednesday, Mrs Justice Cheema Grubb said a trial could take place from December 5.
McSweeney, who faces charges of murder, robbery, and attempted rape, did not attend the court hearing after refusing to leave his prison cell.
At an earlier hearing, prosecutor Oliver Glasgow KC said McSweeney is accused of causing the “violent death of Zara Aleena who was attacked in the early hours of the morning of June 26”.
He said: “Emergency services were called after her body was discovered in a driveway on Cranbrook Road.
“She was bleeding, struggling to breathe, and had clearly sustained serious head injuries. She was also partially naked.”
The 35-year-old studied law at the University of Westminster and had been working at the Royal Courts of Justice as an administrative officer since May. Her family said she recently completed a Legal Practice Course to be able to practise as a solicitor.
McSweeney, from Dagenham, remains in custody until a further hearing on Monday next week.
The judge agreed that he can be represented by a leading KC barrister.
