Assault Charges Against Alison and Bill Chawke
Alison Chawke, 40, and Bill Chawke, 30, the daughter and son of prominent publican Charlie Chawke, appeared in Newcastle West Court today, charged with assaulting two men at the four-star Dunraven Arms Hotel in Adare, Co Limerick. The alleged incident occurred on November 9, 2023, during which both are accused of engaging in violent behavior.

Allegations Against Alison Chawke
Alison Chawke, who resides in Goatstown, Dublin, is alleged to have gouged the eyes of one victim and repeatedly kicked another in the head before biting him on the side of his face. She is also accused of throwing a pint glass at the alleged victims and other patrons who attempted to intervene in the altercation.

Allegations Against Bill Chawke
Bill Chawke, residing in Dublin 2, is facing two charges of assault causing harm. He allegedly threw punches at the two victims and forcefully slammed one of the men’s heads against the bar counter during the incident. The Dunraven Arms Hotel, known for hosting high-profile guests, became the site of this alleged violent confrontation.

Court Proceedings and Evidence
Garda Ronan Hayes from Adare Garda Station provided evidence of arresting and charging both Alison and Bill Chawke. The court heard that neither made any reply when charged. Inspector Barry Manton outlined the prosecution’s case, stating that the siblings were involved in a verbal altercation with bar staff and the alleged victims before the situation escalated into violence. CCTV footage reportedly captured the entire incident, which began at the bar and continued into a hotel hallway.

Summary of the Allegations
Inspector Manton detailed that both Alison and Bill “put themselves in the personal space” of the bar staff and the alleged victims before launching the assault. He alleged that Alison gouged the eyes of one victim and threw a glass, while Bill struck both victims and used force to injure one by slamming his head into the bar. The altercation involved other patrons attempting to intervene, but the violence continued until it moved into a hallway, where Alison allegedly kicked and bit one of the victims.

Jurisdiction Refused and Adjournment Granted
After considering the evidence, Judge Carol Anne Coolican refused jurisdiction, sending the case back to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further review. She also granted the State’s request for an eight-week adjournment to prepare a Book of Evidence. Judge Coolican reminded the court that the accused are entitled to the presumption of innocence. Alison and Bill Chawke were remanded on bail, each on their own bond of €100, to appear before Newcastle West District Court on December 3, 2023, for the service of the Book of Evidence.