Solicitor shot in Devizes has died

Police have confirmed that Wiltshire solicitor James Ward (pictured) has died following a shooting in his office earlier this month.

The 58-year-old, principal solicitor at Morris Goddard & Ward, was shot at his desk in the firm’s Devizes office on 2 July. Wiltshire Police today confirmed he died in a Bristol hospital following head injuries. Michael Chudley, 62, from Rowde, Wiltshire, has been charged with attempted murder, threats to kill, possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and carrying a firearm with criminal intent.

He has been remanded to appear at Winchester Crown Court on 24 September, with a possible trial date set for 17 December.

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.'