On the run for more than 18 months and finally found in Holland, Paula Barnes, 45, of Aldbourne Road, Baydon, Marlborough, is now in custody as a result of a complex police operation that found her living abroad.
Barnes, the wife of a drug dealer jailed for 12 years for masterminding a drug smuggling ring, disappeared after a car crash in Foxhill, Baydon, in September, 2010, as a result of which teacher Dianne Wright died.
Yesterday (Thursday) she pleaded guilty at Swindon Crown Court of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to surrender bail and was described as a “callous and manipulative woman who thought she was above the law.”
In a statement to Marlborough News Online, Inspector Steve Cox head of Wiltshire Roads Policing, said: “Paula Barnes has tried to evade justice by fleeing to Holland where she hoped to remain undetected.”
“The fact she was caught, arrested, extradited and has now pleaded guilty to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving is testament to the hard work and dedication of my team.”
“ She was arrested in Holland on November 9, 2012 and we were successful at an extradition hearing which led to her being brought back to the UK today.”
“This afternoon, she appeared at Swindon Crown Court where she pleaded guilty to one count of causing death by dangerous driving and a further charge of failing to surrender.”
“Barnes was originally arrested after being released from hospital on November 4, 2010 following a two vehicle collision in Foxhill, Baydon, on September 23, 2010.”
“During this collision, the driver of the other vehicle involved, Dianne Wright, sadly died from her injuries at the scene. Barnes was then bailed to attend court on April 15, 2011 but failed to show. Nothing was seen or heard from her again.”
He added: “Barnes has proved to be a callous and manipulative woman who thought she was above the law.”
“This has been a very long and complex operation which has been led by officers in the Serious Collision Investigation Team at Wiltshire Police.”
“We hope that today, Dianne’s family can somehow feel that justice has been finally served and at last begin to put this ordeal behind them.”
Barnes has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Swindon Crown Court on January 18, 2013 for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
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