A 43-year-old man has been charged with murder following a fatal road collision in Wiltshire that killed 70-year-old pet shop owner Barbara Mullaney and left a teenage girl with serious injuries.
The collision occurred on the B4696 near Royal Wootton Bassett around 6 p.m. on Tuesday, involving an orange Peugeot 107 and a black Vauxhall Astra. Mullaney, the proprietor of Animal Fayre on Cricklade High Street, was pronounced dead at the scene. The teenage passenger in the Vauxhall sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where she remains.
The driver of the Vauxhall, identified as Anthony Howells, 43, was initially arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving while unfit through drink or drugs. He has since been charged with murder, dangerous driving, driving without insurance, failing to stop at a collision, and failing to provide a specimen. Howells, from Purton, appeared before Swindon Magistrates Court on Monday.
Tributes have poured in for Mullaney, remembered by many as a respected and supportive member of the Wiltshire community. Notes of condolence have been left outside her pet shop. Her granddaughter, Molly, stated that she and her mother Jeanette plan to keep the shop open in Mullaney's honor, ensuring customers and their pets are cared for as their grandmother would have wished.
Neighboring businesses also shared their grief. The Wild Fig Deli described Mullaney as a "beloved pet shop" owner and a supportive friend whose presence will be missed. Bailey's Dog Walking Business highlighted Mullaney's always beautiful shop displays and her elegant, warm demeanor, noting the significant impact she had on pet owners and local businesses in Cricklade.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker called the murder charge a "significant development" in the investigation and extended condolences to Mullaney's family and friends. He reiterated an appeal for witnesses, particularly those with dashcam footage from the B4696, Cricklade High Street, or Purton High Street on June 30, to come forward.
Wiltshire Police have referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to prior police involvement with the suspect. A police spokesperson confirmed that calls from the public regarding the suspect before the collision are part of the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Team at 01225 694597 or [email protected], referencing log number 318 of June 30.
