Courts / Cork / Report

Archaeologist's report found Tina Satchwell's body could be concealed at home just weeks before discovery, jury hears

Date
2025-05-12

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Youghal

County
Cork

Summary

A forensic archaeologist, Dr Niamh McCullagh, testified that Tina Satchwell's body could have been hidden at her own home, citing research that most concealed homicides occur within a kilometre of the victim's address. She recommended a more invasive search of Richard Satchwell's house, including stairs, ground floor and use of a cadaver dog, just weeks before Gardaí began the operation. The jury was informed that the body was found in a grave almost one metre deep beneath the stairway, over six years after she was reported missing. The crime scene manager, retired Detective Sergeant Shane Curran, described the discovery of a clandestine burial under the stairs, where concrete had been broken and black plastic wrapped around the body. Garda Brian Barry noted a different coloured concrete and a poorly built wall, while a cadaver dog named Fern indicated the presence of remains.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Archaeologist's report found Tina Satchwell's body could be concealed at home just weeks before discovery, jury hears. Procedural stage: trial

When: