A mum-of-three was raped and killed by a stranger while she lay unconscious on a park bench after a night out, a court has heard.
Natalie Shotter, 37, had been out enjoying herself before the alleged attack by Mohamed Iidow, 35, who is now on trial at the Old Bailey, who is accused of her rape as well as manslaughter.
The tragic incident occurred on the night of July 17, 2021, in Southall Park, west London. Shotter, an NHS worker, was found dead early the following morning by a passer-by.
Prosecutors argue that the homeless defendant took advantage of Shotter while she was in a vulnerable state, unconscious and unable to consent to the horrific act.
In her opening statement 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.”
Morgan further explained to jurors that CCTV footage captured Shotter lying motionless on the park bench, confirming that she was unconscious during the alleged rape.
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According to the prosecution, it was this repeated sexual assault that caused her death. “He could never have believed that she was consenting,” Morgan added.
The court was also shown earlier footage of Shotter dancing outside a shop during her night out.
At just over 5 feet tall and weighing 43kg (6st 11lb), Shotter had been drinking throughout the evening and may have also inhaled poppers, a recreational drug.
Despite there being no signs of physical trauma, such as stabbing or beating, Ms. Morgan stressed that the CCTV footage provided critical insight into what had transpired.
Natalie’s body had been left undiscovered for several hours.
Iidow was first arrested in connection with the case in August 2021 and formally charged in December 2023.
The trial continues as the court seeks justice for Natalie Shotter, a beloved mother whose life was tragically cut short.
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