A man has been brought before a court on charges of causing the death of a woman in a head-on collision. Anthony Howells, residing in Reids Piece, Purton, was detained following his appearance at Swindon Magistrates’ Court for the alleged murder of Barbara Mullaney, a pet shop proprietor from Royal Wootton Bassett.
The tragic incident took place on the evening of June 30 on the B4696 near a Wiltshire village, where Ms. Mullaney lost her life. In response, a memorial of flowers has been established by sympathizers outside the Animal Fayre pet shop in Cricklade High Street, near Cirencester.
Wiltshire Police disclosed that the fatal crash involved an orange Peugeot 107 heading south and a black Vauxhall Astra traveling north. The Peugeot driver, a woman in her 70s, was pronounced dead at the scene, while a teenage girl passenger in the Vauxhall sustained severe injuries but was later discharged after receiving medical treatment.
Howells faces additional charges of dangerous driving, driving without insurance, fleeing from a road accident, and refusing to provide a specimen for analysis. The accused, also from Reids Piece, Purton, Wiltshire, did not enter a plea and was detained in custody, with an order to appear before Bristol Crown Court scheduled for Wednesday.
Numerous floral tributes have been left outside the Animal Fayre pet shop to commemorate Ms. Mullaney’s life. Messages of condolence and remembrance from the community express the deep impact of her loss and the love she shared with many. The Wiltshire authorities have initiated a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to prior interactions with the suspect.
