LONDON MAN JAILED FOR 19 YEARS FOR BRUTAL ELDERLY WOMAN'S MURDER
A man responsible for the killing of an elderly widow using a lawnmower cable has been sentenced to a minimum of 19 years behind bars.Rahim Mohammadi, aged 42, was found guilty of murdering 80-year-old Lea Adri-Soejoko following a trial at the Old Bailey.
The prosecution established that he suffocated Mrs Adri-Soejoko with a mower cable and subsequently left her body in a locked shed located at the Colindale allotments in north London, in February of the previous year.
Judge Richard Marks QC characterized Mohammadi's actions as stemming from a "violent loss of temper" during a fit of rage.
During sentencing, the judge noted the irony that the very place she cherished—the allotments—was where she met her end.
He emphasized her vulnerability, stating, "Although Lea was fit for her age, she was an elderly lady, and being confronted and attacked in such a manner was extremely exposing and dangerous for her." The court revealed that Mohammadi had been involved with the allotments since 2008 and had a history of conflict with Mrs Adri-Soejoko.
In September 2016, he called her a "bloody old witch," and five months prior to the murder, he assaulted her, leaving bruises and fractured ribs before strangling her with the cable.
Mohammadi claimed to be suffering from torture and was provided an allotment through the charity Freedom from Torture.
Mrs Adri-Soejoko served as secretary for the Colindale Allotment Garden Association.
Her son Mark stressed that her background was irrelevant to her death, stating, "Where they come from has nothing to do with it.
We are children of immigrants.
This is about the actions of one wicked individual." Her daughter Tess added, "Hatred can rise quickly in situations like this.
I'm just relieved that the truth about his real character has come to light." Authorities described Mohammadi as a "manipulative, evil, controlling individual," while he was noted by officers to be a "sprightly" person, beloved by many.
The court was informed of Mohammadi’s longstanding involvement at the allotment, including a violent clash in 2016 and an attack five months before the killing.
Mrs Adri-Soejoko was found dead in a shed near Sheaveshill Avenue.
The sentence underscores the court’s view of Mohammadi as a dangerous figure who murdered a vulnerable elderly woman out of uncontrollable rage.
