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'I wanted her to know the hand that killed her was the hand that loved her' - Richard Satchwell told gardai of burying wife under home

Date
2025-05-13
Stage
Trial
Court
The Central Criminal Court
Primary locality
Youghal
County
Cork

Summary

Richard Satchwell, aged 58, told Gardaí that he buried his wife Tina's body under the stairs of their Cork home to keep her with him. He said he wanted her to know the hand that killed her was also the hand that loved her. Satchwell claimed the incident occurred on or about 19 March 2017, after a dispute at a car boot sale. He described a sudden violent episode in which Tina "flew" at him, leading to her death. He said he then placed her in a chest freezer, later dug a hole under the stairs, wrapped her in black plastic, added flowers, and covered her with cement. A forensic anthropologist testified that no injuries were found on Tina's bones, including her hyoid bone. Satchwell pleaded not guilty to her murder. The trial is set to continue.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'I wanted her to know the hand that killed her was the hand that loved her' - Richard Satchwell told gardai of burying wife under home. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Why: Expert witness Ms Laureen Buckley said she had identified the remains of an adult female who was probably over 45 years of age and because the body was lying face down in a gravesite, it was "more preserved on the front". CNI source report

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Address Area
  • Grattan Street
Court Venue
  • The Central Criminal Court
Incident
Garda Station
  • brought him to Cobh Garda Station
  • Cobh
Residence

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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