A man has been found guilty of manslaughter and rape of a woman in Southall following an extensive investigation by the Metropolitan Police.
Mohamed Noor Iidow, 35, of St Paul’s Close, Hounslow, was convicted on Friday, 18 October, after a three-week trial at the Old Bailey. He was found guilty of raping and killing 37-year-old Natalie Shotter, whose body was discovered on a bench in Southall Park on Friday, 16 July 2021.
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, from Specialist Crime South, who led the investigation, commented: “Iidow’s predatory attack on Natalie was disturbing and shocking. This man drove to the park that night and took advantage of a vulnerable woman who should have been safe.
“Even after his arrest, Iidow attempted to claim that his actions were consensual. This case has deeply affected those involved, due to its rarity and tragic details. We needed to prove Natalie’s death was caused by being raped, and that involved diligent work using experts in this field to charge and now convict Iidow.
“I commend the strength of Natalie’s friends and family who have had to listen to these details throughout the trial. Iidow is now facing a long term of imprisonment.”
The investigation began when Natalie’s body was found unresponsive by a member of the public at around 05:42hrs. Officers and paramedics attended the scene, but she was pronounced dead.
Enquiries revealed that Natalie had been socialising with friends in Southall before she became unconscious on a bench. CCTV footage from that night showed Iidow walking past Natalie multiple times before he approached her and raped her repeatedly. He then left her on the bench and drove home.
Iidow was identified as a suspect through the review of CCTV footage and was subsequently arrested at his home in Hounslow on 4 August 2021 on suspicion of rape. During police questioning, Iidow refused to answer most questions and claimed the sexual activity was consensual.
Following a complex investigation, which included expert analysis linking Natalie’s death to the attack, Iidow was charged on 21 December 2021 with manslaughter and rape.
Iidow will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, 13 December.
