Anthony Howells, of Reids Piece, Purton, appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court today charged with murder, dangerous driving, driving with no insurance and failing to stop at a crash. The 32-year-old is accused of killing Barbara Mullaney, a beloved pet shop owner, in a head-on collision on the B4696 near Purton, Wiltshire, on the evening of June 30.
Details of the Crash
The collision involved an orange Peugeot 107 travelling southbound and a black Vauxhall Astra travelling northbound. Ms Mullaney, a woman in her 70s driving the Peugeot, was declared dead at the scene. A teenage girl, a passenger in the Vauxhall, suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital, later discharged.
Howells was additionally charged with dangerous driving, driving with no insurance, failing to stop at a road traffic collision, and failing to provide a specimen for analysis. He did not enter any pleas and was remanded into custody, ordered to appear before Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday.
Community Grief
Dozens of floral tributes have been left outside the Animal Fayre pet shop in Cricklade High Street, where Ms Mullaney worked. One tribute read: “We offer our condolences, Auntie Barb was such a lovely, caring vibrant lady. Always had time for a chat. She will be greatly missed. RIP Barbara.” Another said: “We pray for Patrick, Jeanette, Molly & all Barbara’s family & friends, that they may be comforted in the knowledge that Barbara was loved by so many.”
A family member posted on social media: “Words can’t describe the devastation. It has been helped so much by the unbelievable outpouring of literally hundreds of people whose hearts Barbara has touched over the years in her little shop. The shop is bedecked with such an array of flowers. We just can’t thank them enough and tell them how proud of her this makes us feel. Barbara was a lady who was loved by more people than I could ever have imagined, most of whom I have never had the privilege of meeting.”
Police Referral
Wiltshire Police have made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to previous involvement with the suspect. The investigation continues.
