Probation under fire over tragic murders

MONITORING of released criminals must undergo an urgent review in the wake of murders including Zara Aleena, campaigners say.

- Jon Austin

It comes after it emerged both Zara’s killer and two men who murdered Liam Taylor, 19, could have been in jail before the fatal attacks if prison recalls had started earlier.

Zara, 35, was murdered by Jordan McSweeney, 29, as she walked home in Ilford, east London, on June 26. He pleaded guilty to her murder and sexual assault, and is due to be sentenced on December 14.

He had only been released from jail for previous offences nine days before her murder.

The recall process could have begun on the day of his release on June 17 after he failed to show up for his first meeting with his probation officer.