Courts / Cork / Report

Richard Satchwell described to gardai how he kept wife's body in freezer before burying her beneath stairs

Date
2025-04-29

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Youghal

County
Cork

Summary

Richard Satchwell, 58, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his 45‑year‑old wife Tina Satchwell, who disappeared on 20 March 2017. In the Central Criminal Court opening, the State counsel presented evidence that Satchwell told Gardaí he had kept Tina's body in a freezer in the shed for two days before burying her beneath the stairs of their Youghal home. He claimed that during an alleged attack, he had used a belt around her neck to protect himself as she fell limp and died. Gardaí had earlier recorded Satchwell's statements about Tina's alleged violent outbursts and her refusal to take antidepressants. A search of the house on 10 October 2023 uncovered decomposed remains wrapped in black sheeting in a three‑foot grave, later identified as Tina. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul McDermott, is expected to last six weeks.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Richard Satchwell described to gardai how he kept wife's body in freezer before burying her beneath stairs. Charges or matters: murdering his 45-year-old wife Tina Satchwell – nee Dingivan – at that address between March 19 and March 20, 2017, both dates inclusive. Procedural stage: trial

When:

May 2017 Other
March 19 Other
March 20, 2017 Incident
March 24, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
March 20 Incident
June 7, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
March 31, 2017 Incident
October 10 2023 Incident
October 11 Incident
October 12, 2023 Incident
May 11 Other
May 15 Other
May 11, 2017 Other
May 26, 2016 Other
March 3 1989 Other
November 1991 Other
March 20 2017 Other
March 24 2022 Other
May 14, 2017 Other
2025-04-29 Publication

Case subjects

Unnamed accused

Accused

Charges: murdering his 45-year-old wife Tina Satchwell – nee Dingivan – at that address between March 19 and March 20, 2017, both dates inclusive (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty