Man charged with murder after woman injured in ‘road rage attack’ dies in hospital with coronavirus

‘Road-rage’ driver who ran woman over is charged with murder after his victim caught coronavirus in hospital and died

  • Robert Barrow, 54, allegedly drove over Tahereh Pirali-Dashti, 40, on January 20
  • The incident happened on the North Circular Road in Finchley, North London
  • Injured Mrs Pirali-Dashti died in hospital on April 10, after contracting Covid-19
  • Barrow, of Chigwell, Essex, appeared at the Old Bailey charged with murder
  • Learn more about how to help people impacted by COVID

A man who struck a woman in an alleged road rage attack has today appeared in court charged with her murder after she died months later in hospital, having contracted coronavirus.  

Robert Barrow, 54, allegedly drove over Tahereh Pirali-Dashti, 40, following an incident on the North Circular Road in Finchley, north London, on January 20.

Ms Pirali-Dashti was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital with serious injuries.

She died in hospital less than three months later, on April 10, after contracting COVID-19. 

Barrow, who is charged with Mrs Pirali-Dashti’s murder, appeared at the Old Bailey today on video link from HMP Wormwood Scrubs, west London.

Robert Barrow, 54, allegedly drove over Tahereh Pirali-Dashti, 40, following an incident on the North Circular Road in Finchley, north London, on January 20. He appeared at the Old Bailey (pictured) in London today

Barow, of Chigwell, Essex, spoke only to confirm his name and age.

During the hearing, Deanna Heer, prosecuting, said the incident arose out of a minor collision on the A406 near Henly’s Corner.

She said: ‘Prior to the incident, which led to the deceased suffering serious injuries, she (Mrs Pirali-Dashti) was on the phone to the police having called 999.

‘The defendant was seen to throw several punches towards the Mrs Pirali-Dashti’s husband and then got in his vehicle.

‘He drove forward at a relatively slow speed, then deliberately and knowingly drove over her on the roadway.

‘He then continued driving and drove into central London.’

Ms Heer added: ‘The cause of death was recorded as COVID-19, brain injury and cardiac arrest.’ 

Barow was remanded in custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing at the Old Bailey on 7 July.

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk