"Justice has been served... Natalie is going to be saving the lives of women and children"

The mother of a woman who died after being repeatedly sexually attacked while she was unconscious on a park bench in west London says "justice has definitely been served."

Mohammed Iidow has been jailed for life after being was found guilty of the rape and manslaughter of 37-year Natalie Shotter.

The NHS worker and mother of three was found dead by a member of the public in Southall Park in the early hours of 17th July, 2021.

Iidow must serve at least 10 years, 8 months.

Speaking outside court, Ms Shotter's mother, Dr Cas Shotter Weetman, said she was "absolutely thrilled" at the life sentence adding that "justice has been served" in what was a "landmark" case.

She said: "The legacy is Natalie is going to be saving the lives of women and children because this dangerous monster is not going to be out on the streets able to do the things he wanted to do."

She said watching video of her daughter's last moments in court had been "painful" but "absolutely necessary" and the impact on the whole family was "devastating".

Paying tribute to her daughter, she said: "She was an incredibly beautiful girl, very very kind, generous, patient, talented, very funny, a fabulous singer and dancer - and the most wonderful mum, an amazing daughter and sister."

Earlier, Dr Shotter Weetman, an NHS cardiology practitioner, described her daughter as a "bundle of joy" who at the age of 12 had starred in the hit musical, Les Miserables.

Ms Shotter had secured a place at the prestigious performing arts BRIT School in Croydon and had opportunities to work in theatre and television, she said.

As an adult, she became a mother of three children and worked for the British Heart Foundation before getting a job in clinical administration at her local NHS hospital.

Dr Shotter Weetman said: "She was brilliant at her job, kind to staff and patients alike.

"The day I found out about Nat, I felt absolutely sick and I felt a terrible feeling of doom. I was in absolute shock.

"I then had to later learn from the police that my daughter had died in these horrific circumstances.

"When Mohamed Iidow - and that is the only time I will say his name - was finally charged I was so glad but I realised everything was still to come.

"Watching the CCTV of my daughter being raped was desperately sad to see. No mother should have to see that."

Addressing the defendant, she went on: "Hearing the medical evidence how you caused my daughter's death destroyed my family.

"No woman should have to fear going to a park and sitting on a bench. It's disgusting.

"You went after a vulnerable woman. She was a lovely mum, a great sister and daughter, a great kid. We are missing our beautiful girl."

Father Andrew Shotter recalled his "feisty" daughter with "wonderful memories" of her performing in Les Miserables in front of thousands of people.

He said: "Hearing what happened in the last moments of her life was horrific."

The former ambulance service worker added: "I feel powerless. In my head I am screaming to her not to go into the park. I cannot save her from that man."

Ms Shotter's partner, Anthony Wilson, said in his statement that the thought of her killer made him "angry" and that his new role of single father made him feel "stretched in every aspect".

Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, from Specialist Crime South said: “No sentence can reverse the pain that Natalie’s family have had to endure over the past few years. I commend the determination, strength and dignity they have shown.

“Iidow’s offences are shocking and difficult to comprehend. This man drove to the park that night and took advantage of a women, who then died as a result of his actions.

“Those involved in the investigation were committed throughout to prove that Natalie’s death was caused by being raped. This was a complex and challenging investigation, however Iidow will now be spending a significant amount of time behind bars.”

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