Shot solicitor dies from injuries

A solicitor who was shot in the head with a sawn-off shotgun has died from his injuries.

James Ward, 58, was left fighting for his life after a man walked into his office and shot him while he worked at his desk in Devizes.

The married father of three, from Westbury, Wiltshire, was taken to hospital where his family have maintained a bedside vigil since the shooting on July 2.

Wiltshire Police said Mr Ward died on Sunday in hospital.

Businessman Michael Chudley, 62, originally from Rowde, Wiltshire, has been charged with attempted murder. Chudley, of no fixed address, will appear at Winchester Crown Court on September 24.

He is accused of the attempted murder of Mr Ward, making threats to kill Daphne Courtney, possession of a sawn-off shotgun with intent to cause fear of violence to Daphne Courtney and carrying a firearm with criminal intent to commit an indictable offence, namely murder.

Mr Ward was the principal solicitor of Morris, Goddard & Ward legal firm in St John's Street.

Wiltshire Police said Mr Ward died on Sunday afternoon with his family at his side.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Saunders said: "Our thoughts are with Jim's family and friends at this time. Jim was a popular and well-respected man. At the time of his death, his family were with him and they have asked that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.

"I will now be working with the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure that the criminal charges faced by the man already charged with attempted murder properly reflect this change in the circumstances of the case."