Driver denies murder over woman’s ‘road rage’ death on London's North Circular

A driver accused of running a woman over during a road rage incident on London's North Circular has denied murder.

Robert Barrow, 54, of Chigwell, Essex, is charged with the murder of Tahereh Pirali-Dashti, 40.

He has also been charged with attacking 56-year-old Asghar Moradmand.

Mrs Pirali-Dashti was critically injured when the defendant allegedly ran her over on London’s North Circular Road at Henlys Corner in Finchley on January 20.

She had allegedly stopped to speak to Barrow after they were involved in a minor collision.

It is claimed the defendant punched Mr Moradmand and then ran over Mrs Pirali-Dashti with his vehicle.

She was taken to hospital and died on April 10 of a combination of Covid-19, pneumonia and cardiac arrest after suffering multiple injuries.

On Wednesday, Barrow appeared for a virtual hearing before Mr Justice Edis at the Old Bailey via video-link from Wormwood Scrubs.

He spoke to confirm his identity before entering not guilty pleas to charges of murder and assault by beating.

Mr Justice Edis set a two-week trial for September 17 this year after identifying a “window” of availability at the Old Bailey.

The defendant was remanded into custody.

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