A 43-year-old man has been formally charged with murder after a tragic collision claimed the life of a woman in her 70s. The fatal crash occurred around 6:05 p.m. on June 30 along the B4696 between Brinkworth Road and Lydiard Plain, near Royal Wootton Bassett.
The incident involved an orange Peugeot 107 heading southbound and a black Vauxhall Astra traveling northbound. The Peugeot driver, the elderly woman, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following comprehensive investigations by Wiltshire Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, Anthony Howells, from Reids Piece in Purton, has been charged not only with murder but also dangerous driving, driving without insurance, failing to stop after a collision, and failing to provide a specimen for analysis.
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Howells has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Swindon Magistrates Court this morning, July 6.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker described the charge as a significant step in the ongoing inquiry. He expressed gratitude toward the community for their valuable assistance and clarified earlier inaccuracies concerning the vehicles’ directions, confirming that the Peugeot was traveling southbound toward Royal Wootton Bassett and the Vauxhall Astra was heading northbound toward Cricklade.
Inspector Walker also renewed an appeal for witnesses who may have dashcam footage or additional information, particularly around Lydiard Plain, Cricklade High Street, and Purton High Street on the day of the crash.
Expressing condolences, he extended sympathies to the victim’s family and friends, acknowledging their patience and dignity during the investigative process.