Murder accused in court after 'lovely' shop owner dies

A man accused of murdering a woman who died in a car crash has appeared in court.

Anthony Howells, 43, of no fixed abode, has been charged with murder, dangerous driving, driving with no insurance, failing to stop at a collision and failing to provide a specimen. He has been remanded in custody following a hearing a Swindon Magistrates' Court.

The charges relate to a crash on the B4696 between Brinkworth Road and Lydiard Plain in Wiltshire, at about 18:05 BST on Tuesday. Barbara Mullaney, aged in her 70s, died at the scene.

Pat Maher, Mullaney's fiancé, said: "She was a lovely lady, loved by many. She was the sort of person who'd go out of her way to help anybody."

Wiltshire Police has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to prior contact.

A spokesperson for the force said Mullaney had been 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, they added.

On Saturday, St Sampson's Church in Cricklade paid tribute to Mullaney, who ran a pet shop in the town, describing her as "much-loved".

Residents also left dozens of floral tributes and messages outside the front of her shop on the town's High Street.

Maher said Mullaney was 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," he added.

Maher and Mullaney had been engaged since the 1980s but never got married.

"We've only been together for 40-odd years, you can't rush these things," Maher said.

Det Ch Insp Phil Walker said the charges were 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.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, or who has relevant dashcam footage, has been asked to contact Wiltshire Police.

Howells is due to appear at Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday for a plea hearing.

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