ON THE HUNT
Chilling moment Jordan McSweeney stalks streets for victim before bludgeoning Zara Aleena to death after jail release
THIS is the chilling moment Zara Aleen's evil killer stalked the streets for a victim before battering the law graduate to death.
Jordan McSweeney had been released from a prison sentence just days before he pounced on the 35-year-old as she walked home.
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Footage shows the 29-year-old walking through Ilford, East London, in a vest as he hunted for a victim.
He was seen following a string of potential victims "obviously interested in them and their movements".
After setting his sights on Zara, McSweeney was captured on CCTV dragging her into a driveway where he repeatedly kicked and stamped on her.
The predator today pleaded guilty to murder and sexual assault at the Old Bailey as Zara's family watched on.
Read more on the tragedy
It can now be revealed he was on licence at the time of the brutal killing for criminal damage, racially aggravated harassment and unauthorised possession of a knife in prison.
He had been released from prison for robbery just nine days before the savage attack.
The creep has 28 previous convictions for 69 offences - including burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, driving offences, criminal property, assaults on police and assaults on members of the public.
Prosecutor Oliver Glasgow KC said McSweeney launched an "attack upon a lone female late at night making her way home, a woman who stood no chance".
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The court heard previously how Zara was returning home from a night out on June 26 when the horror unfolded.
Her final movements showed her being followed by McSweeney as she walked on the residential road.
Zara was discovered partially clothed and struggling to breath by horrified neighbours who heard her screams.
A post-mortem gave her cause of death as blunt force trauma injury and neck compression.
McSweeney was identified as Zara's killer after chilling footage showed him stalking then attacking her.
Cameras had followed him to the grotty caravan where he was staying while working at a nearby funfair.
Officers searching the home found "blood stained clothing and shoes".
They also discovered fingerprints in blood stains on a wall where Zara was attacked that matched McSweeney.
OUTRAGE
The killer was quizzed by police but sat silently through all three interviews and would not even confirm his personal details.
He instead only threatened officers and told them he suffered from ADHD and split personality disorder.
Zara was an aspiring lawyer who had just started working at the Royal Courts of Justice.
Her death sparked outrage following the stranger murders of Sabina Nessa and Sarah Everard in London as they walked home.
Zara's family paid tribute to her in a heartbreaking statement following her death.
They also revealed she had wanted to be a lawyer from the age of five and that she "put her party shoes in her bag" and "walked everywhere" because "she believed that a woman should be able to walk home".
'PURE OF HEART'
Her family added: "Zara, 35, a beloved human, child, niece, cousin, granddaughter, friend to all, she was a joy to all of us.
"She was a carer for her mother, and her grandmother. Caring for others came so naturally to her.
"Zara was friendly, she was everybody's friend. She was everybody's daughter, everybody's niece, everybody's sister, everybody's cousin. She was pure of heart.
"She was a joy to all of us, her sparkling eyes and the curly, jet-black hair. Her glorious laughter and her sweet, smiling voice. Her tiny frame embodied a passionate spirit and indomitable energy."
Detective Chief Inspector Dave Whellams, who led the investigation, said: “This was a brutal attack on a lone woman walking home on a residential street.
"She had every right to be there, to feel safe and to get home unharmed but instead she was the victim of shocking violence.
“My thoughts are with Zara’s family and friends. I cannot imagine the pain they have experienced over the past five months. It is clear she was truly loved by those who knew her.”
McSweeney will be sentenced on December 14.
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