A prison workshop instructor, Hayley Jones, 33, is facing potential jail time after admitting to an inappropriate relationship with Jordan McSweeney, the man convicted of murdering UK lawyer Zara Aleena.
Jones pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office at Woolwich Crown Court on October 31.
The relationship reportedly spanned a month, occurring at HMP Belmarsh between March and April 2022.
McSweeney, 31, is serving a life sentence for the brutal murder of Aleena, which he committed just nine days after being released from prison for a prior offense.
His initial 38-year minimum term was later reduced to 33 years on appeal.
During the court proceedings, Judge David Miller made it clear that Jones could expect a significant sentence.
“You will be given the maximum credit available,” he stated, adding that the court was not inclined to grant anything less than immediate imprisonment.
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The court heard troubling details about McSweeney’s history of violence, including how he stalked several women before fixating on Aleena as she walked home one night.
His actions culminated in a horrific attack on June 26, 2022, leading to his conviction for both murder and sexual assault.
Jones, who attempted to shield her face from the media as she arrived at court, has been granted conditional bail while a pre-sentence report is prepared.
She will return to court for sentencing on a date yet to be determined. Meanwhile, McSweeney is scheduled to appear in the same court on November 19 for a further hearing, with a provisional trial date set for April 13, 2026.
This shocking case raises serious questions about the relationships formed within prisons and the responsibilities of staff in maintaining ethical boundaries.
