Allotment ‘ killer’ is Iranian refugee given a plot by torture charity
‘Victims connect with nature’
an IranIan immigrant accused of killing a grandmother in an allotment had been given his own plot there by a charity which supports torture victims, a court heard yesterday.
rahim Mohammadi, 40, is alleged to have strangled Lea adri-Soejoko, 80, with the cord of her own anorak and the cable of a lawnmower.
Yesterday the old Bailey heard how Mohammadi, who moved to Britain about ten years ago, had his own plot at Colindale allotment garden association, in Barnet, north London. Mrs adri-Soejoko was the secretary of the association.
Mohammadi, who lives in a homeless shelter in Hackney after fleeing his family’s persecution in Iran, was first introduced to the allotments by the Freedom from Torture charity, the court heard.
The organisation helps refugees and survivors of torture and brutality from war-torn countries, offering medical assessments to support asylum claims, counselling and also gardening therapy for those suffering from post- traumatic stress disorder.
Six plots are rented at the Colindale allotments every summer so victims can ‘connect with nature and explore their experiences’ in group therapy.
The Belgian-born mother of three had been due to appear at the allotment groups’ agM at 7.30pm on February 27. But when she failed to appear the alarm was raised and police later found her body hidden in a locked building used by the group to store garden tools.
Police broke into the building and found her at 2am the following morning. They had heard her mobile phone ringing which was found beside her body.
The pensioner was found fully clothed wearing her wellingtons and an apron – but officers later discovered the retired railway administrator’s house keys were missing. Prosecutor Char- lotte newell said: ‘ Mrs adriSoejoko was found in a locked shed on an allotment where she spent a good deal of her time.
‘She was reported missing by her daughter but had last been seen by her granddaughter on February 26, at about 6pm. The last proof of life was at 2.34pm on February 27 when Mrs adriSoejoko’s friend had spoken to her on the telephone.’
Judge Philip katz QC remanded Mohammadi in custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing on May 23.