In a tragic case, 37-year-old Natalie Shotter died from a heart attack during a horrific sexual assault in Southall Park, west London, a court has heard. The accused, Mohamed Iidow, 35, is on trial for rape and manslaughter, with prosecutors stating that the attack caused Ms. Shotter’s death.
Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC told jurors that Ms. Shotter was unconscious during the assault and suffered a fatal heart attack while being repeatedly raped. CCTV footage shown in court revealed that the victim had been lying motionless on a park bench for over 30 minutes before the alleged attack. The footage also captured Iidow walking past her before leaving the park, only to return later in his car.
According to the prosecution, the attack occurred in the early hours of July 17, 2021, while Ms. Shotter was “deeply unconscious.” The jury was told that DNA evidence from the victim’s mouth matched samples taken from Iidow, supporting the charges of rape and manslaughter.
Alison Morgan KC emphasized that the defendant had intentionally sought out a vulnerable woman to rape. She said, “He would not have sought to have sex with a dead body for over 15 minutes. He was having sex with someone he knew was alive but deeply unconscious, and therefore, he was raping her.”
Following the alleged attack, Iidow reportedly left the scene, stopping to purchase cat food and mouthwash at a nearby gas station. He has denied all charges against him, and the trial has been adjourned until Monday.
The case has sent shockwaves through the local community, as disturbing details continue to emerge. The court is expected to hear more evidence as the trial progresses.
