A man has been brought before a court on charges of causing the death of a woman in a direct car 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 incident occurred on June 30 when Ms. Mullaney lost her life in a collision on the B4696 close to the Wiltshire village.
Tributes in the form of floral arrangements have been left outside the Animal Fayre pet shop on Cricklade High Street near Cirencester in memory of Ms. Mullaney. Wiltshire Police had previously reported that the fatal crash involved an orange Peugeot 107 heading southbound and a black Vauxhall Astra going northbound.
The Peugeot driver, a woman in her 70s, was pronounced deceased at the scene, while a teenage girl, a passenger in the Vauxhall, sustained severe injuries, received medical treatment, and was later discharged. Howells faces additional charges of reckless driving, driving without insurance, fleeing the scene of a traffic accident, and failing to provide a specimen for analysis.
The accused, Anthony Howells, did not enter any pleas and was detained in custody. He is scheduled to appear at Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday. Following Ms. Mullaney’s tragic passing, numerous floral tributes have been placed outside the Animal Fayre pet shop as a token of remembrance.
One message expressed condolences, highlighting Ms. Mullaney’s kind and vibrant nature, while another conveyed prayers for her family and friends to find solace in the love she shared. The community of Cricklade has shown immense support, with one family member acknowledging the overwhelming response and gratitude for the outpouring of support during this difficult time.
The Wiltshire police have initiated a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to their previous interaction with the defendant.