Swindon man in court charged with Sian murder

Christopher Halliwell is to appear before Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday charged with Sian O'Callaghan's murder

A SWINDON taxi driver appeared in court this morning (Monday) charged with the murder of 22-year-old Swindon woman Sian O'Callaghan.

Miss O'Callaghan, aged 22, was reported missing on March 19 and her body was found on Thursday near Uffington, Oxfordshire.

Her disappearance had initially sparked a major search of Savernake Forest, near Hungerford, involving hundreds of police and local villagers.

Police also recovered bones recovered after a search in Eastleach, Gloucestershire, believed to be of another woman estimated to be aged between 23 and 30.

Mr Halliwell, aged 47, of Ashbury Avenue, Swindon, was charged with the crime while in custody on Saturday evening.

He appeared before Swindon Magistrates Court at 10.30am today, where he was remanded in custody to appear before Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday.