Daughter and son of prominent publican plead guilty to violent assault at hotel

David Raleigh

A daughter and son of prominent pub-chain businessman, Charlie Chawke, pleaded guilty on Monday to charges of assault causing harm to two men at the luxury four-star Dunraven Arms Hotel, in Adare, County Limerick.

Alison Chawke, (41), of The Beeches, Holywell, Goatstown, Dublin 14, and her brother Bill Chawke, (31), Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2, were arraigned before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court and each admitted one count of assault.

Alison Chawke pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to John McHugh, on November 9, 2023.

Bill Chawke pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Gerard Cox, on the same date.

The two defendants pleaded guilty on a full facts basis, the court heard.

Previously, Newcastle West District Court heard that Alison Chawke allegedly gouged the eyes of one victim and kicked the other victim in the head a number of times before biting him on the side of his face.

The court in Newcastle West also heard that Ms Chawke allegedly threw a pint glass at the two victims and a number of others who tried to intervene in the attack.

The court in Newcastle West heard that Bill Chawke allegedly threw punches at both victims, and that he gouged the eyes of one of them and hit his head off a bar counter at the hotel.

The Dunraven is a well-known and prestigious hotel, which has hosted members of the British Royal family, US presidents, as well as Hollywood movie stars.

Prosecuting Garda Ronan Hayes, Adare Garda Station, previously gave evidence of arresting and charging the two defendants.

Alison Chawke was represented by senior counsel Mark Nicholas, and Bill Chawke were represented by barrister Henry Kelly BL, instructed by solicitor Michael Finucane.

Prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley, is instructed by County Limerick State Solicitor Brendan Gill.

Ms Buckley told the court that the two guilty pleas were acceptable to the State on a full facts basis.

Ms Buckley said the court would see CCTV footage in respect of the assaults on the night in question and hear victim impact statements from the two victims.

Judge Simon McAleese remanded the two defendants on continuing bail to appear before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court for the facts to be heard on March 6th.