Robber challenges court jurisdiction in Chawke shooting case
A man who pleaded guilty to shooting Adare man Charlie Chawke at his public house, The Goat Inn on October 6th 2003, has made an unsuccessful attempt to challenge the court’s jurisdiction this morning.
Frank Ward, (51) Knockmore Avenue, Tallaught, claimed in court this morning that the court did not have the jurisdiction to sentence him because he was unlawfully arrested and tried with the charges. This is despite entering a guilty plea.
Ward, who was representing himself again this morning was advised by the judge to get legal representation even at this late stage, however he stated that the only thing legal representation could do for him now as to “plead a deprived childhood.”
Ward has been handed down a life sentence for robbing and shooting Charlie Chawke.
When he heard his fate he remarked to the judge “A pox on all your houses,” to which the judge replied, “I don’t blame you for that, but you are the author of your own misfortune.”