A 43-year-old man has been charged with murder over a crash that killed an elderly pet shop owner and seriously injured a teenage girl.An orange Peugeot 107 and a black Vauxhall Astra collided on the B4696 near Royal Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire about 6pm on Tuesday. The driver of the Peugeot, Barbara Mullaney, a local pet shop owner and grandmother in her 70s, was declared dead at the scene.A teenage girl, who was a passenger in the Vauxhall, suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital, where she remains.The driver of the Vauxhall, Anthony Howells, was initially arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving while unfit through drink or drugs. He has now been charged with murder, dangerous driving, driving with no insurance, failing to stop a collision and failing to provide a specimen. Howells, of Reids Piece, Purton, was arrested after being treated for his injuries and appeared before Swindon Magistrates Court on Monday morning. Tributes continue to pour in for Ms Mullaney, who was the owner of Animal Fayre on Cricklade High Street. Many have left notes of condolence outside her pet shop. Barbara Mullaney (pictured), a local pet shop owner in her 70s, died at the scene of the crash She has been remembered as a respected and supportive member of the Wiltshire community One handwritten note said the beloved grandmother would be 'greatly missed' (pictured)Her granddaughter, Molly, said she and her mother Jeanette were keeping the shop open this week in her honour.She said: 'I would like to share our gratitude as a family for all the lovely comments, stories, flowers and tributes we have received for my beloved Granny, Barbara.'If you are a customer that needs a delivery, please do get in contact. 'We want to make sure everyone and their furry friends are sorted for the week, as Granny would've wanted.'The Wild Fig Deli, a neighbouring business, said 'life will not be the same' without Ms Mullaney, who was 'taken too soon' in a tribute on social media. 'Absolutely heartbroken for the loss of our dear friend and business neighbour 'aunty' Barbara from Cricklade's beloved pet shop,' it read. 'You have been incredibly supportive of me and my business, always a smiley face, there to lend me things and above all love all the dogs and animals in Cricklade.'Bailey's Dog Walking Business added: 'I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of the wonderful Barbara. Numerous bouquets of flowers have been left outside the Animal Fayre pet shop'Her shop windows were always beautiful, without doubt the best display on Cricklade High Street. Just like her shop, Barbara herself was always impeccably turned out, elegant, warm and full of pride in everything she did.'She has touched the lives of so many people over the years, including countless pet owners and local businesses, and I know I won’t be the only one who wishes I’d popped in just one more time. 'Barbara leaves an enormous hole in the Cricklade community, and she will be missed by so many.'Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker, who is leading the investigation, said the murder charge was 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 said in a statement.He again appealed for anyone with dashcam footage from the Lydiard Plain area of 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 previous involvement with the suspect.A spokesperson for the force said: 'We received a number of calls from the public relating to the subject prior to the collision which are forming part of the investigation.Anyone with information is being asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Team on 01225 694597 quoting log number 318 of June 30, or email the team at SCIT@wiltshire.police.uk.
Man charged with murder over crash that killed elderly pet shop owner
Barbara Mullaney, a local pet shop owner and grandmother in her 70s, was declared dead at the scene of the crash.






