A prison workshop instructor has appeared in court over an alleged “inappropriate relationship” with Zara Aleena’s murderer.

Hayley Jones, 33, has been charged with misconduct in a public office having allegedly acted in a way “which amounted to an abuse of the public’s trust”.

Jordan McSweeney, 31, is serving at least 33 years in HMP Belmarsh for murder.

Ms Aleena, a 35-year-old law graduate, was killed as she walked home from a night out in Ilford, east London, in the early hours of 26 June 2022, nine days after McSweeney was released from prison for a previous offence.

McSweeney was jailed for a minimum term of 38 years in December 2022 after admitting to the sexual assault and murder of Ms Aleena.

He won a Court of Appeal bid in November 2023 to reduce the minimum term of his life sentence to 33 years.

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Ms Aleena’s aunt Farah Naz told MailOnline her family is “deeply disappointed” by the alleged sexual relationship between Jones and McSweeney.

McSweeney appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court via video link on Wednesday, charged with encouraging or assisting the commission of an indictable offence.

Jones, of Strood in Kent, appeared in person at the court.

The offending is alleged to have taken place between 6 March and 7 April 2023.

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During a short hearing, the case was adjourned until 25 September.

Jones was granted conditional bail until the next hearing at Woolwich Crown Court.

She must not contact McSweeney or visit the prison where he is being held.

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