Courts / Cork / Report

'Master Manipulator' Satchwell, who wanted 'ultimate control' over wife, jailed for life

Date
2025-06-04
Stage
Appeal
Primary locality
Youghal
County
Cork

Summary

Richard Satchwell, a 59‑year‑old British national, was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Central Criminal Court in Dublin for the murder of his 45‑year‑old wife, Tina Satchwell, who was found buried under the stairs of their Youghal home. The jury, after nine hours and 28 minutes of deliberation over four days, unanimously rejected Satchwell's defence that he acted in self‑defence during a struggle with a chisel. Witnesses, including Tina's sister Lorraine Howard and niece Sarah Howard, testified that Satchwell had hidden Tina's body in a chest freezer before burying her, and that he had offered the freezer to Sarah. Satchwell's 14 prior convictions include larceny and theft. He intends to appeal the conviction. The sentence was back‑dated to 12 October 2023, the day he entered custody. Tina Satchwell pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Master Manipulator' Satchwell, who wanted 'ultimate control' over wife, jailed for life. Charges or matters: Tina's murder by the unanimous verdict of a Central Criminal Court jury; murdering 45-year-old Tina Satchwell – nee Dingivan – at their home address at Grattan Street, Youghal, Co Cork between March 19 and March 20, 2017, both dates inclusive. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

Why: Counsel said Satchwell's objective from the very outset was "always to put everyone off the scent" and that this was done because he had murdered Tina. CNI source report

Case subjects

Richard Satchwell

Appellant

Charges: Tina's murder by the unanimous verdict of a Central Criminal Court jury; murdering 45-year-old Tina Satchwell – nee Dingivan – at their home address at Grattan Street, Youghal, Co Cork between March 19 and March 20, 2017, both dates inclusive (Alleged Or Contested)

Outcome: Mr Justice Paul McDermott sentenced Satchwell to life in prison and said it only remained for him to express his condolences to Tina's family.

Tina Satchwell

Appellant

Charges: Tina's murder by the unanimous verdict of a Central Criminal Court jury; murdering 45-year-old Tina Satchwell – nee Dingivan – at their home address at Grattan Street, Youghal, Co Cork between March 19 and March 20, 2017, both dates inclusive (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: Mr Justice Paul McDermott sentenced Satchwell to life in prison and said it only remained for him to express his condolences to Tina's family.

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
Residence

Topics

Stage Appeal Theft Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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