'Master manipulator' Richard Satchwell sentenced to life for murder of his wife Tina

Alison O'Riordan

Richard Satchwell is a "master manipulator" who secretly buried his murdered wife under the stairs of their home where he could have "ultimate control" over her, the victim's sister told the Central Criminal Court on Wednesday as the defendant was sentenced to life in prison.

The court was also told today that Satchwell – who has 14 previous convictions – intends to appeal against last week's unanimous jury verdict convicting him of Tina Satchwell's murder.

Lorraine Howard said in her victim impact statement that Satchwell had treated his wife's body "with such disrespect".

"The appalling way my sister was buried, wrapped in plastic, buried beneath soil and concrete puts shivers down my spine every time I think about it," she said.

Ms Howard went on to say that Satchwell "showed Tina’s dog in death more respect" by getting the animal "cremated and making a shrine".

She said Satchwell wanted Tina where he could have "the ultimate control, within his home under the stairs".

Ms Howard said Satchwell had deceived them "as the master manipulator he is into believing Tina would one day return".

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.

The sentence was backdated to October 12th, 2023, when the defendant went into custody.

Brendan Grehan SC, for Satchwell, said he had taken instructions from his client who asked him to say that he intends to appeal, insists that he never intended to kill Tina and that "despite anything said in the trial, Tina was a lovely person".

Last Friday, Satchwell was found guilty of Tina's murder by the unanimous verdict of a Central Criminal Court jury.

Satchwell had pleaded not guilty to murdering 45-year-old Tina Satchwell – née Dingivan – at their home address at Grattan Street, Youghal, Co Cork between March 19th and March 20th, 2017, both dates inclusive.