Toddler was in the car when mother killed pedestrian

A mother ran over and killed a pedestrian on the pavement while her two-year-old child sat in the front passenger seat, a court heard.

Rhian Beresford, 28, allegedly sped into Stefan Melnyk, 54, and sent him flying in Salisbury Street, Acton, west London.

Beresford drove at Mr Melnyk again revving the engine of her black Vauxhall Astra while the man was was trapped underneath, the Old Bailey heard.

Joel Smith, prosecuting, said: ‘On 22 March this year, just before 12.50pm the defendant’s sister called the police saying the defendant was having a breakdown.

‘The defendant drove a black Vauxhall Astra at sped onto the pavement at the deceased. The vehicle collided with him and threw him forward.

‘The defendant drove at him again trapping him under her vehicle. While the defendant’s car was on top of the deceased witnesses heard the engine being revved repeatedly.

‘The defendant’s two-year-old daughter was in the front passenger seat in her car. The defendant got out of her car and ran away.

‘She is chased by a bystander Geroge (corr) Pantzini. It became apparent she had a knife.

‘When he fled the scene and stumbled, she attempted to stab him in the chest. No serious harm was caused.’

Beresford appeared at the Old Bailey today (thurs) via prison video-link wearing a black top.

She spoke to confirm her name, age and address giving her nationality as British.

Judge Angela Rafferty set a plea and trial preparation hearing for 11 June and remanded her in custody.

Beresford, of Hope Gardens, Acton, west London, is charged with murder and attempted murder.
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