Public abuse murder accused

THERE were angry scenes inside and outside Swindon Magistrates’ Court as Christopher Halliwell, 47, appeared in open court for the first time since being officially charged on Saturday with the killing of 22-year-old PA Sian O’Callaghan.

People shouted abuse from the public gallery in Courtroom 2 and, after the short hearing, a crowd of more than 100 screamed obscenities and tried to attack the police convoy, including the van carrying Halliwell as it took him away.

Halliwell, of Ashbury Avenue, Swindon, spoke only to confirm his name and address.