The jury in the high-profile trial of Richard Satchwell, accused of murdering his wife Tina in Youghal, Co Cork, is set to resume deliberations tomorrow. #AD
Mr Satchwell denies murdering Tina between 19 and 20 March 2017, though he reported her missing several days later. Her remains were discovered buried under the stairs of their shared home in October 2023, more than six years after she vanished.
Following the discovery, Satchwell altered his original account, claiming Tina died during a struggle in which he used a belt to defend himself as she allegedly attacked him with a chisel.
Prosecutors dismissed this explanation as “farcical” and riddled with inconsistencies. The defence, however, portrayed Satchwell as a man deeply in love, insisting there was no intent to kill, and alleging past violence from Tina towards him.
The case, which has gripped national attention, featured testimony from around 50 witnesses. Mr Justice Paul McDermott instructed the 12 jurors—seven women and five men—to remain impartial and consider all evidence with care. He outlined three possible verdicts: guilty of murder, guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty due to self-defence.
Jurors began deliberations briefly but opted to return in the morning to continue weighing their decision.