Son and daughter of publican Charlie Chawke jailed for attack on two men in Limerick

Bill Chawke, 31, and Alison Chawke, 41, attacked the men at the four-star Dunraven Arms Hotel

Bill Chawke and Alison Chawke at Limerick District Court. Pictures: Brendan Gleeson

A son and daughter of prominent publican Charlie Chawke have been jailed after they pleaded guilty to viciously assaulting two men three years ago.

Bill Chawke, aged 31, and Alison Chawke, aged 41, attacked the men at the four-star Dunraven Arms Hotel, on November 9, 2023.

The two defendants have brought “embarrassment” on their family, whose pub chain was built up by their father Charlie Chawke, their barristers told the court.

The two Chawke siblings were alcohol intoxicated when they lashed out at two men. 

Bill and Alison Chawke set upon the two victims, Gerard Cox and John Mchugh, both in their 50s, punching and kicking them and at one point during the attack, they gouged the victims' eyes.

Bill Chawke initiated the attack, lunging at Mr Cox, while Alison Chawke threw a glass pint at the men.

Ms Chawke bit John McHugh on his face and kicked him in the head as Mr Chawke wrestled with him on the floor of the foyer of the Dunraven.

At Limerick Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Fiona O’Sullivan sentenced Bill Chawke to two years and six months with the final 12 months suspended, after taking into consideration Mr Chawke’s guilty plea and prior good character.

The judge sentenced Alison Chawke to two years and two months with the final 14 months of the sentence suspended after taking into consideration her guilty plea, and previous good character.

In court, the two Chawke siblings clasped their hands and appeared stunned when the sentences were delivered.

They both entered bail bonds of €1,000, pledging to keep the peace and not commit any further criminal offences during the suspended part of their sentences.

Judge O’Sullivan said the attack was “unprovoked” and “had an element of ferocity”.

The judge said Mr Cox and Mr McHugh had been entitled to enjoy a night out without interference, and they were now living with long-term effects of the attack.

Judge O’Sullivan said Mr Chawke had been “more culpable as the main instigator”.

Ms Chawke, of The Beeches, Holywell, Goatstown, Dublin 14, pleaded guilty on a full facts basis to assaulting John McHugh, (50s), causing him harm.

Bill Chawke, of Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2, admitted on a full facts basis to assaulting Mr McHugh’s friend, Gerard Cox, causing him harm.

The court heard the brother and sister consumed around 15 vodkas, gin and tonics and Guinness, in Adare village, prior to going to the residents bar at the Dunraven, and attacking the two men.

Moments before the attack Bill Chawke had demanded food, but when staff told him bar food was no longer available, as it was after midnight, he persisted.

Gerard Cox politely asked Bill Chawke to stop annoying the staff, but Mr Chawke approached Mr Cox and exchanged words with him.

Alison Chawke started taking pictures on her mobile phone of Mr Cox and his friend John McHugh.

Again, without provocation Bill Chawke approached the men at the bar and lunged at them, hitting them with his fists.

The Dunraven’s internal CCTV cameras captured the entire attack.

The CCTV recordings were played in court, showing the brawl spreading from the residents bar out to the hotel’s front reception area.

Ms Chawke bit Mr McHugh on his left cheek, said prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley.

Ms Chawke also kicked Mr McHugh into the side of his head.