July date set for publican shooting appeal

A Dublin man’s appeal against his conviction for robbing and shooting publican Charlie Chawke more than six years ago, will be heard in July.

Frank Ward (aged 55), of Knockmore Avenue, Tallaght was jailed for life by the Dublin Circuit Court in October 2007, after pleading guilty to five charges arising out of the incident at Chawke’s pub, The Goat Grill, Goatstown, South Dublin on October 6, 2003.

These included intentionally causing serious harm to Mr Chawke, the robbery of almost €50,000 and the possession of a shotgun with the intention to commit robbery.

Ward, who is representing himself in the appeal, is now attempting to have his conviction overturned.

Mr Chawke was seriously injured in the shooting and his right leg had to be amputated five days later.

The Court of Criminal Appeal, Mr Justice Joseph Finnegan presiding, set July 27 as the date for the hearing of the appeal.