Courts / Cork / Report

Phone linked to Richard Satchwell messaged about monkeys over same period as alleged murder, trial hears

Summary

A phone linked to Richard Satchwell sent text messages about buying monkeys during the same period he is alleged to have murdered his wife, Tina. Messages to family and Tina's cousin described a "mess" and claimed Tina had left, taking savings. The trial heard that Satchwell told Gardaí on 24 March 2017 that Tina had left the home four days earlier, and that he had no concerns about her welfare. He reported her missing in May 2017, but her body was not found until October 2023, when Gardaí discovered decomposed remains under the stairs of their home. A 10‑person Garda team searched the house on 7 June 2017 in a non‑invasive operation. Superintendent Annemarie Twomey, appointed senior investigator in August 2021, said she had reasonable grounds to believe Tina was dead and that arresting Satchwell was necessary. She noted up to 65 sightings of Tina in Ireland and abroad, all negative, and that Interpol was involved. Richard Satchwell pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Phone linked to Richard Satchwell messaged about monkeys over same period as alleged murder, trial hears. 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:

• March 24, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
• October 2023 Other
• June 7, 2017 Other
• August 16, 2021 Incident
• October 10, 2023 Other
• August 2021 Other
• August 2022 Incident
• February 2022 Incident
• June 2017 Other
• March 24 2017 Other
• March 19 2017 Other
• March 28 2017 Other
• March 20, 2017 Other
• March 2017 Other
• April 2016 Other
• April 2017 Other
• March 10, 2017 Other
• March 25 2017 Other
• March 26 2017 Other
• July 12 2017 Other
• March 30 2017 Other
• April 10 2017 Other
• June 27 2017 Other
• July 2 2017 Other
• July 12 Other
• March 20 2017 Other
• March 19 Other
• 2015 to 2017 Other
• 2016 and 2017 Other
• 2025-05-07 Publication

Why: A phone linked to Richard Satchwell sent text messages about issues purchasing monkeys over the same period when he is alleged to have murdered his wife, with one message reading: "I am in a mess right now because my wife has said she is leaving me over this", his trial has heard. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

• 'Master Manipulator' Satchwell, who wanted 'ultimate control' over wife, jailed for life
• A Casual Inquiry: The trial of Richard Satchwell
• Jury convict Richard Satchwell of murder
• Richard Satchwell trial jury to continue deliberations for fourth day
• Jury in Richard Satchwell trial to deliberate for third day
• Jury in Richard Satchwell trial to continue considering verdict

Read the original CNI report