Man pleads not guilty to careless driving after death of Melksham woman

A man has pleaded not guilty to causing death by careless driving following a collision in which a Melksham woman was killed.

Gail Chilcott died in 2024 after being involved in a three-car road traffic collision on the A3102 near Calne.

Matthew Gunning pleaded not guilty on Wednesday 7th January at Bristol Magistrates’ Court. A second plea hearing will be held on 13th February at Bristol Crown Court to determine whether a full trial will be held.

Gail was a much-loved Melksham woman who was a magistrate and fostered around 60 children with her husband, Maurice. She was also known in the town for her childminding work and involvement in many community groups and activities.

The family were informed last year by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) that the case had been archived because the police had not provided the necessary information.

Following this, the family called for the investigation to be reopened and are preparing a formal complaint over the lack of communication and due diligence.

“We had a very long conversation with the sergeant in charge of our case and he apologised to us but in my eyes that apology is still not good enough,” said Sally. “He said that our original lead neglected his duties so there may well be an internal investigation and our case is eight months behind where it should be. There is no reason why it has been dropped and drawn out.

“We are still trying to draw up a letter of complaint; as more and more gets added, I think we are glad we have held off and will action it soon. Our investigating officer has told us that she will help us make the complaint. We have dropped our second family liaison officer; he was just rubbish. We have now been passed on to Horizon, who work with Wiltshire Police. They support victims and witnesses, I believe, so they are looking after us and they are doing a much, much better job.

“For me and my brother, this is all just so emotional.”

Pictured: Sally and Gail Chilcott