Courts / Cork / Report

Tina Satchwell's cause of death could not be determined due to skeletal remains, pathologist tells trial

Date
2025-05-20

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Cork

County
Cork

Summary

During the Richard Satchwell murder trial, Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster explained that Tina Satchwell's cause of death could not be determined because her remains were skeletal. The remains were found buried beneath the couple's Cork home, in a grave under the stairs, after an invasive search in October 2023. Dr Bolster described the body's condition: a dressing‑gown belt knotted over the front of the chest, a gold purse labelled 'Playboy' removed from the left pocket, and skeletal remains with no fractures or bruising. She noted the belt's unusual position, often used to move a body, and that the body had been wrapped in a soiled sheet. No evidence of trauma to the hyoid bone or other bones was found, and the post‑mortem interval was very long, preventing determination of the cause of death. Tina Satchwell pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Tina Satchwell's cause of death could not be determined due to skeletal remains, pathologist tells trial. 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 Incident
October 12 2023 Other
October 12 Other
October 13 Other
March 20 2017 Other
March 19 Other
March 20, 2017 Other
1991 to 2001 Other
2025-05-20 Publication

Case subjects

Tina Satchwell

Defendant

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