Leonard Webb, the 68-year-old retired Army major who has been charged with the murder of his wife, Doreen, ran a stall on the regular antiques market in the Shambles market hall in Devizes.

Webb, from Avondown Road, Durrington, sold military memorabilia, including medals and badges, under the name Cannon Militaria at the market, where he was accompanied by his Jack Russell dog, Jasper.

Last year he told Facebook friends about accidentally sparking an armed police operation after selling two bayonets which a passerby mistook for a rifle.

Wiltshire Police confirmed that Webb appeared before North West Wiltshire Magistrates' Court, Chippenham, yesterday.

He was remanded in custody and will appear at Winchester Crown Court tomorrow.