Murder Accused Appears in Court Following Fatal Collision
A man accused of murdering a woman who died in a car crash has appeared in court.
Anthony Howells, 43, of Reids Piece, Purton, has been charged with murder, dangerous driving, driving without insurance, failing to stop at the scene of a collision, and failing to provide a specimen. He has been remanded in custody following a hearing at Swindon Magistrates' Court.
The charges relate to a crash on the B4696 between Brinkworth Road and Lydiard Plain in Wiltshire, which occurred at approximately 18:05 BST on Tuesday. A woman in her 70s, identified locally as pet shop owner Barbara Mullaney, died at the scene.
Wiltshire Police has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to prior contact.
Details of the Collision and Investigation
A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police stated that Mullaney was travelling southbound when her orange Peugeot 107 collided with a black Vauxhall Astra travelling northbound.
A teenage girl who was a passenger in the Vauxhall Astra was taken to hospital but has since been discharged.
Community Tributes and Personal Remembrances
On Saturday, St Sampson's Church in Cricklade held a tribute to Mullaney, who operated a pet shop in the town, describing her as "much-loved".
Residents left dozens of floral tributes and messages outside the front of her shop on the town's High Street.
Pat Maher, Mullaney's fiancé, shared his memories of her:
"She was a lovely lady, loved by many. She was the sort of person who'd go out of her way to help anybody.
She was always smiling. Whenever she was in the shop, she was always happy.
She loved gardening, walking around the lake. She had a guinea pig called Worzel, who would only eat one brand of vegetable."
Maher and Mullaney had been engaged since the 1980s but never married.
"We've only been together for 40-odd years, you can't rush these things," Maher said.
Official Statements and Next Steps
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker described the charges as a "significant development" in the investigation.
"I would like to again extend my condolences to the family and friends of the victim and thank them for their patience and dignity during this early stage of the investigation," he added.
Authorities have requested that anyone who witnessed the collision or has relevant dashcam footage contact Wiltshire Police.
Howells is scheduled to appear at Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday for a plea hearing.
Additional Information and Contact
For story suggestions in Wiltshire, the public can follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or send story ideas via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630.
