A predator who fatally assaulted NHS worker Natalie Shotter in a shocking and heinous attack has been jailed for life. Mohamed Iidow, 35, was sentenced to a minimum of 10 years and eight months after being found guilty of repeatedly raping the 37-year-old mum-of-three until she suffered a fatal heart attack.
The Tragic Incident
CCTV footage revealed Iidow prowling Southall Park in west London on the night of July 17, 2021, looking for a vulnerable victim. Natalie, who was unconscious on a park bench, became the target of his attack. Over a harrowing 15 minutes, Iidow moved her “deeply unconscious” body into multiple positions while assaulting her.
The court heard that Natalie died of cardiac arrest caused by the sustained assault. Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC explained that the overstimulation of nerves at the back of her throat during the attack led to her death, a case without recorded precedent.
Judge’s Condemnation
Judge Richard Marks KC described Iidow’s actions as “wicked and utterly reckless.” He highlighted the high risk of serious harm inherent in the prolonged assault on an unconscious victim.
A Family Devastated
Natalie’s mother, Dr Cas Shotter Weetman, an NHS cardiology practitioner, shared her devastation in a moving victim impact statement. She expressed heartbreak at losing her daughter in such horrific circumstances and called for societal change to address violence against women.
“No mother should ever have to see or hear the details of what I endured,” she said. “My daughter went to the park to enjoy her evening, only to be preyed upon by a predator. Women should feel safe in public spaces—it’s disgusting that this is not the case.”
Dr Shotter Weetman also paid tribute to her daughter, describing her as a “beautiful soul” and a dedicated mother to her three children, aged five to 19. Natalie had a natural talent for performing arts, having starred in Les Misérables as a child, and was an active member of her community, volunteering for charities like the British Heart Foundation and Alzheimer’s Society.
Police and CPS Statements
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who led the Scotland Yard investigation, called the attack “disturbing and shocking.” He praised the diligence of his team in proving that Natalie’s death was caused by the assault.
Kirsty O’Connor, from the Crown Prosecution Service, noted the complexity of the case, which relied on expert testimony and CCTV evidence. She condemned Iidow’s false claim that the encounter had been consensual, saying the evidence clearly proved otherwise.
A Call for Change
Natalie’s tragic death has reignited calls for increased safety for women in public spaces. Her family urges society to confront the “horrific” violence women face and to ensure accountability for those who commit such crimes.
Conclusion
Iidow’s life sentence brings some measure of justice, but it cannot undo the immense loss suffered by Natalie’s family and community. Her memory lives on as a devoted mother, talented performer, and compassionate individual who touched the lives of many.
