Zara Aleena – Man, 29, in court charged with murdering law student who was ‘ambushed from behind’

A MAN today appeared in court charged with the murder of an aspiring lawyer.

Jordan McSweeney, 29, is charged with the murder, attempted rape and robbery of Zara Aleena, 35.

Zara Aleena, 35, was allegedly ambushed by a stranger on her walk home

He appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court this afternoon wearing grey prison sweats.

McSweeney was remanded in custody due to appear in central criminal court on July 1.

The law graduate, 35, is believed to have been punched to the ground in a terrifying attack in Ilford, East London in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Her family said she was the heart of their community in a tribute, adding: “She was a joy for all of us.”

They said: “She was authentic and refused to try and impress anyone but she impressed us. She was the rock of our family.

“Zara was stoic and held it all together and never complained. She glued our community together.

“Zara was happy and at a point in her life when her joy was radiating and blossoming.

“She was ready to make a family of her own.

“Her sense of justice and fairness led her to a life of giving and caring for others.

“A carefree spirit, with the most caring heart.”

And they called on society to prevent violence against women and girls, adding: “Our loss is irreparable and the void feels insurmountable but the warmth and kindness that our community has shown is testament to the power of Zara’s spirit.

“Her life has been stolen from us. She has been stolen from us all.”

Neighbours in Cranbrook Road called 999 after hearing screams from the street.

However, in spite of the efforts of paramedics and police, Zara couldn't be saved.

Uni of Westminster graduate Zara was killed at 2.20am.

Her death has been likened to the tragic murders of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa.

'STALKED THROUGH THE STREETS'

Yesterday, Zara's close friend Lisa Hodgson shared their final text exchange.

The pair were due to meet this weekend, but rearranged.

Zara messaged on Friday: “Miss your beautiful face this weekend xx can't wait to see you next weekend xxx”.

Lisa said: “I am completely broken. My bestest friend (for the past 17 years) Zara Aleena was murdered by a complete stranger.

“I am shocked. I am angry. I feel sick to my stomach.

“We spent most weekends together.

“We were meant to be together this weekend but I had to cancel and arranged to meet next weekend.

“I wish I had met her this weekend. She got f***ing murdered walking home.”

I am going to miss everything – your smile, the way you bite your bottom lip when you were thinking, laughing about anything and everything

It's understood police have not recovered any weapons.

Flowers and cards have been left at the scene today, while family members have told of their devastation at the loss of a woman “who brought life to the room”.

One tribute said: “Best friend I could ever have asked for… I am going to miss everything about you, your smile, the way you bite your bottom lip when you were thinking, our nights out, eating burgers on a step, laughing about anything and everything.”

Zara's former uni described her as a “warm and gentle” woman who would “often go out of her way to help others”.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, of Scotland Yard, said it's believed Zara “was the victim of an opportunist stranger attack”.

“Tackling violence against women and girls is an absolute priority for the Met. Every day our officers are working with partners across the capital to improve safety in our public spaces,” he added.

It is alleged Zara was repeatedly punched

Neighbours called 999 when they heard screamsCredit: BPM

Zara Aleena's friend has shared the last message she received