Updated with sentence: Park prowler who raped and killed mother-of-three found guilty

Updated 13 December 2024:

Mohamed Iidow has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 10 years and 8 months today at the Old Bailey after he was found guilty of raping and killing Natalie Shotter in Southall Park, London.

Original release 18 October 2024:

A man who was prowling Southhall Park and raped a mother-of-three, causing her death, has been found guilty.

Mohammed Iidow, 35, from Hounslow, has been found guilty of manslaughter and rape.

In a three-week trial at the Old Bailey, the jury heard how Iidow had driven to the park late at night and walked around the park, passing Natalie Shotter several times.

Ms. Shotter had been on a night out enjoying herself and ended up in the park where she was found unconscious by Iidow.

Captured on CCTV, Iidow took advantage of Ms. Shotter and repeatedly forced himself upon her, resulting in her death. He left her to be found in the early hours of the morning by a passerby having tragically died.

Kirsty O’Connor, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Natalie Shotter had been on a night out enjoying herself and she was preyed upon by Mohammed Iidow. He raped her repeatedly, while she was unconscious, which caused her death.

“The investigation was extremely complex and involved working closely with the police and expert witnesses to establish what had happened to the victim and what led to her death.

"During police interviews, he stated that Natalie was alive and consenting to the sexual activity with him. However, CCTV footage has proved that to not be the case, with the victim unconscious during the entire attack.

“The CPS is determined to deliver justice for victims of rape. Tragically, this vile attack cost Natalie her life and we’d like to express our deepest condolences to her children and loved ones at this time.

"Natalie's family have shown extreme courage and dignity throughout what has been a harrowing investigation and trial. We thank them for their support and continue to offer them our sincere condolences for the devastating loss of Natalie."