Adare, Ireland — In a shocking incident at the Dunraven Arms Hotel, siblings Alison and Bill Chawke, children of noted publican Charlie Chawke, were arraigned on charges related to a violent altercation that took place on November 9, 2023. Both have been remanded on bail as detailed by the Newcastle West District Court following their arrest early Tuesday.
Alison Chawke, 40, is accused of particularly brutal acts including eye gouging one victim, kicking another in the head multiple times, and then biting his cheek. Additionally, she reportedly threw a pint glass not only at the victims but also towards other patrons who were attempting to intervene. Her brother, Bill Chawke, 30, faces charges of assault causing harm. He is alleged to have struck both victims with punches and forcefully hit one victim’s head against the bar counter.
The proceedings Tuesday revealed gruesome details of the assault. Garda Ronan Hayes of Adare Garda Station testified regarding the arrest and charges of the Chawke siblings. According to Dublin-based solicitor Michael Finucane, representing the accused, the incident was captured in its entirety on the hotel’s CCTV system.
Inspector Barry Manton elaborated on the CCTV footage in court, describing how the altercation quickly escalated from a verbal dispute with the bar staff and other patrons to a physical confrontation. The inspector’s account stressed that both Chawke siblings actively invaded the personal space of those around them, initiating and perpetuating the violence.
Manton also noted that despite efforts by numerous patrons to deescalate the skirmish, the violence spilled from the bar into a hotel hallway. This comprehensive account of the night’s events led Judge Carol Anne Coolican to declare that due to the severity of the actions, the case exceeded the jurisdiction of her court and would be escalated to a higher authority.
The siblings’ actions at the hotel, known for hosting esteemed guests including British royalty, presidents, and celebrities, have left the local community in shock. The hotel, often praised for its ambiance and service, found itself at the center of what Inspector Manton described as an unprovoked and violent assault.
Accused of severe misconduct, Alison and Bill Chawke were granted bail with an adjournment period of eight weeks to prepare the Book of Evidence, set by Inspector Manton. The judge asserted the accused’s right to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty and scheduled the next hearing for December 3, where the siblings will face the presented Book of Evidence.
As the legal proceedings continue, the case has sparked conversations about behavior and safety in public spaces, particularly in venues associated with high-profile guests and events. The hospitality industry closely monitors the outcome, aware of the ramifications such incidents may hold on public perception and patron security.