A “wicked” predator who raped and killed 37-year-old mother-of-three Natalie Shotter in Southall Park has been sentenced to life in prison. Mohamed Iidow, 35, was found guilty of rape and manslaughter following a harrowing trial at the Old Bailey.
Brutal Attack
The court heard that on the night of the attack, Natalie, a beloved NHS worker, had been out enjoying a night with friends. After passing out on a park bench in Southall Park, west London, Iidow approached her in a predatory manner, as captured on CCTV.
Over the course of 15 minutes, he repeatedly raped Natalie while she lay unconscious, causing her to suffer a fatal heart attack. Despite claiming that the sexual encounter was consensual, the evidence showed she was deeply unconscious throughout the assault.
Natalie’s body was discovered early on the morning of July 17, 2021, by a passer-by.
Sentencing
Judge Richard Marks KC sentenced Iidow to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months. In court, Judge Marks described Iidow’s actions as “wicked and utterly reckless” and said the defendant “clearly formed an intention to rape her”.
The court also heard that Iidow had a prior conviction for attempting to groom young people online in 2022 while under investigation for rape.
Family’s Heartbreak
Natalie’s mother, Dr. Cas Shotter Weetman, a cardiology practitioner, shared a moving statement in court, describing her daughter as a “bundle of joy” who was a talented performer and a devoted mother to her three children, aged 5 to 19.
“Watching the CCTV of my daughter being raped was desperately sad to see. No mother should have to witness that,” she said.
Her father, Andrew Shotter, recalled “wonderful memories” of Natalie performing in the theatre production of Les Misérables as a child and described the news of her death as “horrific”.
Prosecutors’ Statement
Kirsty O’Connor of the Crown Prosecution Service said:
“Natalie was preyed upon by Mohamed Iidow, who raped her repeatedly while she was unconscious, ultimately causing her death. This was a complex investigation, and we are deeply grateful to her family for their courage and dignity during such a harrowing time. Natalie’s death was a tragic and avoidable loss.”
Legacy of a Talented Mother
Natalie Shotter was a former child performer who had secured a place at the prestigious BRIT School in Croydon. As an adult, she worked for the British Heart Foundation before joining her local NHS hospital as a clinical administrator.
Her family described her as a “brilliant, kind, and dedicated mother” who touched the lives of those she worked with.
Community Outrage
The case has sparked outrage, with many calling for greater safety measures in public parks to prevent similar tragedies. Dr. Shotter Weetman stated:
*”No woman should have to fear going to a park and sitting on a bench. It’s disgusting. We are missing
