Devizes shooting: Solicitor James Ward dies in hospital

Police said James Ward died in hospital on Sunday

A solicitor who was shot in the head with a shotgun at his office in Devizes has died in hospital from his injuries.

James Ward, 58, had been in a critical condition in Bristol's Frenchay Hospital since the incident which took place at Morris, Goddard & Ward Solicitors on 2 July.

The father-of-three lived in Westbury and was known to friends as Jim.

Michael Chudley, 62, of no fixed address, has been charged with the attempted murder of Mr Ward.

'Popular and respected'

Mr Chudley, originally from Rowde in Wiltshire, is also charged with threats to kill and firearms offences.

He will next appear at Winchester Crown Court on 24 September, with a possible trial date set for 17 December.

Mr Ward, who was the principal solicitor of the legal firm in St John's Street, Devizes, had been working at his desk when he was shot.

Wiltshire Police said he died in hospital on Sunday afternoon with his family by his side.

Det Ch Insp Ian Saunders said: "Our thoughts are with Jim's family and friends at this time. Jim was a popular and well respected man."

A post-mortem examination is taking place later at Flax Bourton Mortuary in Somerset.