Son and daughter of publican Charlie Chawke plead guilty to assault in Limerick hotel

A SON and daughter of well-known Limerick publican Charlie Chawke have both pleaded guilty to assault causing harm in the Dunraven Arms Hotel in Adare.

Bill Chawke and Alison Chawke were arraigned before Judge Simon McAleese this Monday in Limerick Circuit Criminal Court.

Mr Chawke, aged 31, of Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2, said “guilty” after the court registrar put one count of assault causing harm at the Dunraven Arms Hotel on November 9, 2023 to him.

Similarly, Alison Chawke, aged 41, of The Beeches, Holywell, Goatstown, Dublin 14, said “guilty” when one count of assault causing harm at the Dunraven Arms Hotel on November 9, 2023 was put to her.

Prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley, instructed by State solicitor Brendan Gill, said the pleas were acceptable to the State on a “full facts basis”.

Ms Buckley said there will be CCTV footage and victim impact statements on behalf of two male injured parties.

Mr Chawke was represented by Henry Kelly BL while Mark Nicholas SC acted for Ms Chawke during the brief procedural matter this Monday morning in Limerick Courthouse.

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When the case was before Newcastle West Court in October 2024, Inspector Barry Manton outlined the then alleged facts of the case to Judge Carol Anne Coolican so she could decide if the matter would stay in the district court or be sent forward to the circuit court.

Insp Manton alleged that at around 12.30am on November 9, 2023, Ms and Mr Chawke were sitting at a bar at a hotel in Adare, along with the two alleged victims, and other hotel guests.

The court heard the two accused were involved in a verbal altercation with bar staff as well as the two alleged victims. Insp Manton alleged the two accused began a violent altercation. 

A number of other customers at the bar “tried to break it up”, however, the altercation continued and ended in a hallway, Insp Manton alleged.

“It was all captured on CCTV,” said the garda inspector.

Insp Manton told Judge Coolican: “It will be alleged that Bill Chawke, during this violent altercation, gouged the eyes of injured party number one and hit the head of injured party number one, pushing it down on the bar in a forceful manner.”

It was further alleged that Mr Chawke “threw a number of punches against both injured parties”.

Regarding Ms Chawke, Insp Manton alleged she gouged the eyes of injured party number one, picked up a glass and threw it at persons involved, including those that were trying to break it up.

“Ms Chawke then made her way to a hallway and delivered a number of kicks to the head of injured party number two, and she bent down and bit him on the cheek,” alleged Insp Manton.

Judge Coolican refused jurisdiction on that date in October 2024 and sent the matter forward to the circuit court.

The brother and sister have now both pleaded guilty to assault causing harm in the Dunraven Arms Hotel this Monday at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court.

Mr Chawke and Ms Chawke were remanded on continuing bail by Judge McAleese

A sentencing hearing is take place on Friday, March 6.