Thursday 29 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 10611Assault · Co. Limerick · 9 Nov 2023

Chawke siblings' sentencing over Dunraven Arms Hotel assault adjourned

Alison Chawke (41) and Bill Chawke (31) were involved in an altercation at the Dunraven Arms Hotel in Adare, County Limerick, at about 00.30am on November 9, 2023. Alison Chawke is alleged to have gouged the eyes of one victim, kicked the other in the head and thrown a pint glass at both, while Bill Chawke is alleged to have thrown punches at both victims and gouged the eyes of one of them. The victims are John McHugh and Gerard Cox. In February 2026 Alison Chawke pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to John McHugh and Bill Chawke pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Gerard Cox, both for the November 9, 2023 incident. On March 6, 2026, Limerick Circuit Criminal Court adjourned sentencing and set the matter for mention on April 27 to fix a date for the facts to be heard.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court6 Mar
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • Alison Chawke is alleged to have gouged the eyes of one victim and kicked the other victim in the head.
  • Bill Chawke is alleged to have thrown punches at both victims and gouged the eyes of one of them.
Where
The assaults took place at the Dunraven Arms Hotel in Adare, County Limerick.
When
The altercation happened at about 00.30am on November 9, 2023.
Weapon
Alison Chawke is alleged to have thrown a pint glass at the two victims.
Other details
  • The victims were John McHugh and Gerard Cox.
  • The two defendants have been on bail throughout.
Investigation
Garda Ronan Hayes of Adare Garda Station gave evidence of arresting and charging the two defendants.
Charges
  • 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.
  • According to the March 6, 2026 article, the guilty pleas were entered the previous month, in February 2026.
In court
  • The State said the guilty pleas were acceptable on a full facts basis.
  • On March 6, 2026, Judge Simon McAleese adjourned sentencing because other cases took priority.
  • The matter was set for mention on April 27 to fix a date for the facts to be heard.
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatAlison Chawke allegedly gouged the eyes of one victim and kicked the other victim in the head. (limerickpost.ie)
  • whatBill Chawke allegedly threw punches at both victims and gouged the eyes of one of them. (limerickpost.ie)
  • whereThe assaults happened at the Dunraven Arms Hotel in Adare, County Limerick. (limerickpost.ie)
  • whenThe altercation happened at about 00.30am on November 9, 2023. (limerickpost.ie)
  • weaponAlison Chawke allegedly threw a pint glass at the two victims. (limerickpost.ie)
  • investigationGarda Ronan Hayes of Adare Garda Station gave evidence of arresting and charging the two defendants. (limerickpost.ie)
  • chargeAlison Chawke pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to John McHugh on November 9, 2023. (limerickpost.ie)
  • chargeBill Chawke pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Gerard Cox on the same date. (limerickpost.ie)
  • courtThe State said the guilty pleas were acceptable on a full facts basis. (limerickpost.ie)
  • courtSentencing was adjourned, and the matter was set for mention on April 27 to fix a date for facts to be heard. (limerickpost.ie)
  • otherThe two defendants have been on bail throughout. (limerickpost.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 6 Mar2026
    In courtlimerickpost.ie, first report
    Sentencing of daughter and son of prominent publican over four-star hotel assault adjourned

    First report of this case in the existing list. Sentencing was adjourned for mention only to April 27 so that the facts can be heard. The article gives the siblings' ages and addresses, and names both victims.

    accused, Alison Chawke, 41, female, named, irish (judged from name)Alison Chawkeaccused, Bill Chawke, 31, male, named, irish (judged from name)Bill Chawkevictim, John McHugh, male, irish (judged from name)John McHughvictim, Gerard Cox, male, irish (judged from name)Gerard Cox