Anthony Howells, 43, from Reids Piece, Purton, has appeared in court charged with the murder of Barbara Mullaney, a pet shop owner in her 70s from Royal Wootton Bassett. The fatal crash occurred on June 30 on the B4696, resulting in Ms. Mullaney’s death at the scene.
The collision involved two vehicles: an orange Peugeot 107 traveling southbound and a black Vauxhall Astra heading northbound. Ms. Mullaney was driving the Peugeot when the crash happened. A teenage passenger in the Vauxhall sustained serious injuries but was later discharged from the hospital.
In addition to the murder charge, Howells faces several other allegations, including dangerous driving, driving without insurance, failing to stop at the scene of an accident, and failing to provide information. During his appearance at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on July 6, Howells made no plea and was remanded in custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 8 at Bristol Crown Court.
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The community has expressed sorrow over Ms. Mullaney’s passing, with numerous floral tributes left outside her Animal Fayre pet shop located on Cricklade High Street near Cirencester.
Wiltshire Police have referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following previous interactions with the suspect.