VIDEO:’There’s an epidemic of violence against women and we need society to stop this’-Reclaim the streets.

#Sayhername Zara Aleena. Yesterday the family of murdered woman Zara Aleena from Ilford sat in court to listen to Justice Cheema Grubb sentence her killer Jordan McSweeney to life imprisonment to serve a minimum of 38 years. McSweeney was rightly labelled ‘spineless’ by Justice Grubb for refusing to enter the courtroom to watch CCTV footage of his very own actions. Yet Zara’s family sat and heard all the horrendous actions that led to Zara’s death and just how she gained those fatal injuries.

Despite the freezing temperatures and train strikes, women led by one of the founders of Reclaim the Streets Jamie Klinger, stood outside the Old Bailey to say Zara’s name, to remember her and every other woman who has died at the hands of a man. We are told our streets are safe for women, yet Zara’s murder shows that women are still being murdered.

Zara was just walking home, something we all have the right to. She was ten minutes away from her home and she never made it. The bottom line is women do not feel safe on the streets. Despite doing everything we are advised to do such as wear bright clothing, trainers, let people know where we are, women are still being murdered.

“There is an epidemic of violence against women and we need society to stop this,” says Jamie. “Nothing brings her back, no amount of jail time brings her back. Our priority is her family and all those who loved her.”

McSweeney will now face 38 years life imprisonment, he showed no remorse at his horrific actions and we were actually told in court that during police interviews the Dagenham man stated that he was ‘bored’. Justice Grubb not only labelled him ‘spineless’ for refusing to enter the dock, but also a ‘pugnacious and violent man’ after returning several times to not only take Zara’s phone and keys but also to repeatedly stamp and kick on Zara, leaving her for dead.

#Sayhername Zara Aleena.