Courts

Richard Satchwell sent forward for trial charged with murder of wife Tina in 2017

Gardaí found skeletal remains of Mrs Satchwell while excavating concrete floor area under stairwell of his home

Richard Satchwell at Cashel District Court in October when he was initially charged. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Richard Satchwell at Cashel District Court in October when he was initially charged. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Olivia Kelleher
Tue Mar 26 2024 - 13:15

A book of evidence has been served on truck driver Richard Satchwell who has been sent forward for trial to the Central Criminal Court charged with the murder of his wife Tina.

Gardaí found Ms Satchwell’s skeletal remains last October, more than six years after she was reported missing, while excavating a concrete floor and walled-up area underneath the stairwell of the home she and her husband shared on Grattan Street in Youghal.

Mr Satchwell (57) was then charged with murdering Ms Satchwell on March 20th, 2017 following the discovery.

Sgt Tom O’Brien told Clonmel District Court on Tuesday that the book of evidence had been formally served on Mr Satchwell.

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Judge Brian O’Shea explained to Mr Satchwell that the Director of Public Prosecutions has consented that he be tried by indictment in front of a judge and jury at the Central Criminal Court. He remanded him in custody to appear before the next sessions of the court in Dublin.

Legal aid was assigned in the name of defence solicitor Eddie Burke and it was extended to cover a junior and senior counsel. Mr Satchwell was represented in court by solicitor Aidan Leahy, who deputised for Mr Burke. Mr Leahy confirmed receipt of the case file and said he had no applications to make.

Judge O’Shea had warned two weeks ago that the case was at risk of being struck out unless the book of evidence was served. He said Mr Satchwell had been in custody for more than five months.

Mr Satchwell previously sought bail at a High Court sitting at Cloverhill Court. Gardaí objected as they regarded the accused as a flight risk. Refusing bail, Judge Siobhán Lankford said Mr Satchwell faces “very serious charges, the most serious charges in the criminal canon”.

Ms Satchwell, a native of St Bernard’s Place in Fermoy, was reported missing on March 24th, 2017 by her husband. Prior to the discovery of her remains last year, gardaí followed 400 lines of inquiry, carried out multiple searches and took witness statements from 170 people as part of the investigation.