THE Newport pub where father of three Lemy Bullock was murdered by a violent gang is going up for auction.

Owner Frank Sheehan, who leased Harvey's bar in Pill to tenants, said it would take "a brave person" to re-open the Pill pub, which has been shut since 36-year-old Mr Bullock was killed last March.

Mohammed 'Mo' Nasser, 44, of Kirby Lane, and Martyn Bruce, 38, of Courtybella Gardens, both Pill, were last week convicted of Mr Bullock's murder by a jury at Cardiff crown court.

A third man, Aaron Kent, 24, of Livale Court, Bettws, Newport, pleaded guilty to Mr Bullock's murder.

All three face life sentences.

The Commercial Road pub was put on the market immediately after Mr Bullock's stabbing with a samurai sword, and Mr Sheehan believes it is now likely to be turned into a takeaway or flats.

Mr Sheehan, who runs the West Usk Lighthouse bed and breakfast in St Brides Wentlooge, said two buyers had been interested in Harvey's but both sales fell through on the days of exchange. One buyer had wanted to convert it into an Indian takeaway.

Mr Sheehan said: "No-one has shown any interest in it as a pub." He said he will put it up for auction - possibly in March - with a reserve price of around £175,000.

"It's a very large building and I think it's one of the nicest-looking buildings in Pill," said Mr Sheehan.

He said locals and former regulars often ask if he intends to re-open the pub, but others want it to remain shut because of the tragic history that surrounds it.

"Some don't want it open because of the murder, and I think there's a stigma attached to it," said Mr Sheehan.

"As a pub, I think it would have an effect on the sale: you would have to be a very brave person to take it on and open it again as a pub, even though it wasn't the pub's fault."

Mr Sheehan said the site would be suitable for three one- and two-bedroom flats.

"I think it's had its day as a pub - it's finished," he said.