Alison and Bill Chawke, children of publican Charlie Chawke, may be released from prison well before Christmas due to chronic overcrowding in the Irish prison system. Security sources indicated that their early release is likely due to a low probability of reoffending.
The siblings were convicted and sentenced for a violent assault on Gerard Cox and John McHugh, both in their 50s, at the Dunraven Arms Hotel in Adare, Co. Limerick, on November 9, 2023. The court heard that the siblings attacked the men, punching, kicking, and gouging their eyes.
Judge Fiona O’Sullivan sentenced Alison Chawke to two years and two months, with the final 14 months suspended, considering her guilty plea and previous good character. Bill Chawke received a sentence of two years and six months, with the final 12 months suspended, also factoring in his guilty plea and prior good character.
Despite these sentences, security sources suggest the siblings are unlikely to serve their full terms. They are not considered a public risk, and this is their first offense, with a low chance of reoffending. Upon release, they will be required to sign on at a Garda station and at the prison for the remainder of their sentences.
This potential early release highlights the ongoing issue of prison overcrowding. Last year, figures revealed a significant increase in temporary releases granted to inmates to alleviate the crisis. Dozens of prisoners convicted of serious offenses, including attempted murder, assault, and harassment, were temporarily freed. Hundreds of others convicted of drug offenses and theft were also granted temporary release.
According to the latest Irish Prison Service figures, the total number of prisoners in custody stands at 5,796. Of these, nearly 500 are sleeping on mattresses on the floor, and 555 are on temporary release. The overall prison capacity is at 122 percent.
The situation is particularly acute in Limerick. The female prison, where Alison Chawke is being held, is operating at 168 percent of its capacity, while the male prison, housing Bill Chawke, is at 121 percent capacity. Most prisons, excluding open facilities, are reportedly operating well over capacity, with many inmates on temporary release signing on at Garda stations.
Temporary release is granted based on a prisoner's behavior and risk assessment. New rules implemented in 2023 allow prisoners serving sentences of less than one year, or with one year remaining, to apply for general temporary release. The community return scheme, which involves unpaid community work, is now available to inmates serving up to five years who have completed at least half their sentence. Additionally, the community support scheme, designed to ease overcrowding, has been expanded to include inmates serving up to 18 months, compared to the previous limit of one year.