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 crash19:51, 06 Jul 2026A man has appeared in court accused of murdering a woman in a head-on car crash.‌Anthony Howells, of Reids Piece, Purton, was remanded in custody after appearing at Swindon Magistrates’ Court today accused of murdering pet shop owner Barbara Mullaney.‌Ms Mullaney, of Royal Wootton Bassett, was killed on the evening of June 30 in a crash on the B4696 near the Wiltshire village.‌Piles of flowers have been left by well-wishers outside the Animal Fayre pet shop in Cricklade High Street, near Cirencester, following Ms Mullaney's death.Wiltshire Police had previously said the crash involved an orange Peugeot 107 travelling southbound and a black Vauxhall Astra travelling northbound.‌The driver of the Peugeot, a woman in her 70s, was declared dead at the scene. A passenger in the Vauxhall, a teenage girl, suffered serious injuries, was taken to hospital and later discharged.Howells was also charged with dangerous driving, driving with no insurance, failing to stop at a road traffic collision and failing to provide a specimen for analysis.The defendant, of Reids Piece, Purton, Wiltshire, did not enter any pleas and was remanded into custody.‌He was ordered to appear before Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday.Dozens of floral tributes have been left outside the Animal Fayre pet shop in Cricklade High Street after Ms Mullaney’s death.‌One said: “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.‌“May she be remembered always in our hearts with love.”One family member posted on social media to thank the support of the Cricklade community.“Words can’t describe the devastation,” they wrote.‌“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.Article continues below“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.”The Wiltshire force has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) because of previous involvement with the suspect.