Convicted Wife-Killer Richard Satchwell May Return to Limerick Prison as Victim's Family Delivers Powerful Court Testimonies

 Convicted murderer Richard Satchwell, sentenced this week to life imprisonment for the killing of his wife Tina Satchwell in 2017, is likely to be transferred back to Limerick Prison—where he previously served time on remand and worked as a kitchen chef.

Sources confirm that Satchwell (58), who is currently held at Dublin’s Wheatfield Prison, may soon be relocated due to space constraints across Ireland’s overcrowded prison system. While Limerick Prison is considered the most probable destination, no final decision has been made.

Satchwell had been transferred to Wheatfield during his six-week trial at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin for logistical convenience. While in Limerick previously, he was assigned kitchen duties and reportedly prepared meals for other high-profile inmates, including State witness Jonathan Dowdall and violent offender Barbie Kardashian.

Despite his conviction, Satchwell has indicated his intent to appeal. During sentencing, his defence barrister stated that Satchwell "never intended to kill Tina" and added that "Tina was a lovely person."

Family of Tina Satchwell Delivers Heart-Wrenching Impact Statements

The trial concluded with moving and emotionally charged victim impact statements from Tina’s family, painting a vivid picture of the life tragically lost and the deep psychological toll the murder has taken.

Lorraine Howard, Tina’s sister, described their close childhood bond in Fermoy, recalling Tina’s kindness, love for animals, and passion for fashion.

“She was gentle and had such a soft and loving soul,” Lorraine told the court. “Tina’s love of fashion was portrayed as a negative throughout the trial. Fashion was her escape — and in a sense, it saved her.”

She also criticised Satchwell for manipulating public perception of Tina and for spreading false narratives about her personality.

“Richard Satchwell stole Tina from us long before he killed her. He isolated her from friends and family and tried to convince the world she was violent and coercive — nothing could be further from the truth,” she said.

Lorraine also recounted the emotional trauma of the trial, including being used in the defence narrative, the constant references to the suicide of Tina’s brother, and the unbearable details of Tina’s final moments.

“The way my sister was buried — wrapped in plastic, under soil and concrete — runs shivers down my spine,” she said. “No sentence could ever be enough for the monster who took Tina from us.”

She added that Satchwell had gone so far as to offer her the same chest freezer where he had stored Tina’s remains—a gesture she described as haunting and unforgivable.

Sarah Howard, Tina’s niece and goddaughter, also addressed the court, speaking through tears about the void left in her life.

“Tina was not just my aunt. She was my best friend and one of the most important people in my children’s lives. She should have been beside me on my wedding day, at the birth of my child,” she said.

Sarah gave birth during the trial and had to return to court just weeks later to testify. She lamented the psychological distress caused by the process and the portrayal of her aunt during the proceedings.

“Listening to all the lies in court, and knowing now what was done to her, has changed me forever,” she said.

Satchwell’s Future Behind Bars

Richard Satchwell’s future remains uncertain as prison authorities assess where he will serve the remainder of his sentence. While he has expressed a preference to return to Limerick Prison—where he reportedly enjoyed his kitchen duties—this may not be feasible due to space constraints.

Jonathan Dowdall, who was among the high-profile inmates Satchwell once served meals to, is expected to be released this October. Dowdall, a former Sinn Féin councillor, was a key witness in the high-profile trial of Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch.

As for Satchwell, under Irish law, life imprisonment typically equates to a minimum of 20 years served, though release is not guaranteed.

Meanwhile, Tina Satchwell’s family continues to grapple with their loss. Their powerful testimonies not only condemned Satchwell’s actions but also honored the memory of a woman described as compassionate, stylish, and deeply loved.