'Master manipulator' Richard Satchwell jailed for life for murdering his wife at Cork home

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 as the defendant was sentenced to life in prison.

During a sentencing hearing this Wednesday, the court was also told that Satchwell - who has 14 previous convictions - intends to appeal 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.

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Lorraine 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".

Lorraine 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 12 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 - nee Dingivan - at their home address at Grattan Street, Youghal, Co Cork between March 19 and March 20, 2017, both dates inclusive.