A 51-year-old man has pleaded guilty to robbing and shooting publican Charlie Chawke in Dublin four years ago.
Frank Ward from Knockmore Avenue in Tallaght, who was defending himself, yesterday refused to enter a plea saying he was unlawfully before the court.
A plea of not guilty to five charges was entered on his behalf.
This afternoon, Mr Ward told the court he wanted to change his plea.
He pleaded guilty to robbing Mr Chawke of almost €49,000 in cash and cheques on 6 October 2003.
He also pleaded guilty to causing serious harm to Mr Chawke, possession of a shotgun with intent to commit robbery, and two offences of possessing a shotgun with intent to resist arrest.
The development came after a full day of evidence on behalf of the prosecution.
Mr Chawke told the court that Mr Ward blew his knee away after he tried to grab the shotgun off him.
Mr Chawke was taken to St Vincent's Hospital and his right leg was amputated five days later.
Sergeant Michelle Gettings told Mr Ward this afternoon he had been caught red-handed after a pursuit by gardaí from the Goat Pub to a cul de sac in Stillorgan.
In cross-examination, Mr Ward put it to Mr Chawke that by grabbing the gun he took the opportunity to exploit the situation and was trying to make a citizen's arrest.
Mr Ward will be sentenced in two weeks.
Another man, 57-year-old Larry Cummins, from Mellowes Road in Finglas is already serving a 15-year sentence for the same offences.
