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

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

At Newcastle West District Court, prosecuting Garda, Ronan Hayes, Adare Garda Station, told Judge Carol Anne Coolican, that he served the two accused with a copy of the State’s Book of Evidence

This afternoon, Garda Ronan Hayes, of Adare Garda Station, gave evidence before Newcastle West Court of arresting and charging both of the accused, who are each being represented by Dublin-based solicitor Michael Finucane