A ‘vulnerable’ NHS worker was allegedly raped and killed by a man following a night out in West London, a court has heard. Natalie Shotter, 37, was found lifeless on a bench in Southall Park after spending the evening out.
It is alleged she was attacked by homeless man Mohamed Iidow, 35, who is now on trial accused of her rape and manslaughter. Opening the case on Wednesday, prosecutor Alison Morgan KC said: “The prosecution’s case is that Natalie was a vulnerable woman, out at night enjoying herself, who was then taken advantage of by this defendant.
“Natalie Shotter does not appear to have been conscious at the time that she was raped, let alone consenting to the defendant. He could never have believed that she was consenting.” She then added: “It was the process of raping Natalie repeatedly that caused her death.”
Ms Morgan explained to jurors it had not been immediately clear what precisely occurred to Ms Shotter on that July 17, 2021, morning or the definitive cause of her death. CCTV footage indicated she barely moved and seemed to be unconscious during the alleged assault, unable to give consent.
Earlier CCTV footage also showed a happier moment where Ms Shotter danced outside a store amongst others. The jury also learned that she stood just over 5 feet tall and weighed merely 43kg (6 stone 11 pounds).
Iidow denies all charges and the case continues. His trial at the Old Bailey has been adjourned until Friday.