News Talk

GARDAI should be equipped with a cadaver dog, the Justice Minister admits.

Concerns have been raised over how long it took cops to nail monster Richard Satchwell, who killed his wife Tina and cruelly buried her body under the stairs of their home.

� 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved

� 2024 PA Media, All Rights Reserved

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Evil Satchwell, 58 was last week sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Tina, 45, in their house in Cork in 2017.

But investigators have come under fire after it took more than six and a half years before gardai discovered Ms Satchwell had never left their home at Grattan Street in Youghal.

The original investigation at the time of Tina’s disappearance have been blasted for failing to utilise a cadaver dog.

It wasn’t until 2023 that springer spaniel Fern and her handler helped gardai make a breakthrough in the case under a new investigating team who launched a full review of the case file.

The dog, provided by the PSNI on foot of a mutual assistance request from gardai, led officers to a concrete area under the stairs in Ms Satchwell’s home in Youghal where they found her remains.

Retired detective inspector Pat Marry has insisted the original investigating team should have searched the Satchwell home with a cadaver dog, branding it a “missed opportunity”.

Speaking last night, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan revealed how he has now raised concerns with the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris about how long it took gardai to uncover Tina’s body.

Asked whether a cadaver dog should have been used by the original investigating team, the Minister said probably this should have been the case.

O’Callaghan pointed out there was only one trained dog on the island of Ireland, used by the PSNI.

But the Justice Minister admitted it would be “preferable” if gardai had their own cadaver dogs, which are specially trained to detect human remains.

He conceded: “It obviously would be preferable if we had a cadaver dog.”

The Minister outlined how the animals only had a limited work life of around three years and had to go through a difficult training process.

Asked if a cadaver dog would be included in the funding for the Garda Dog Unit, O’Callaghan said it was up to the Commissioner how funds would be spent.

REVIEW OF INVESTIGATION

Garda chief Harris has confirmed a review of the investigation into Tina’s murder is underway.

The outgoing commissioner has said it may seem “very obvious in hindsight” that Mrs Satchwell was buried under the stairs of her home.

A report on the Satchwell investigation is to be furnished to Justice Minister O’Callaghan and the Policing and Community Safety Authority.

While Minister O’Callaghan commended the gardai for their investigation, he last night stressed it took a considerable period of time for her body to be uncovered.

And as he awaits the review of the investigation, O’Callagan insisted he would have preferred that Tina’s body was discovered sooner.

He said: “That wasn’t done and I will get a report on that, but justice has been done in her case.

“There are very devious people out there. There are very devious murderers who go to a very great length to hide their crimes.”

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Tragic Tina Satchwell’s remains were found under the stairs of her home[/caption]

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A couple on Long Island and their three young children have spent the past month living in a camper behind their home. To see their beautiful house from the outside, the scenario doesn’t make sense.

LIDL is offering a sizzling summer deal – the Grillmeister Foldable Barbecue is now just £14.99 with the Lidl Plus app, down from its regular price of £19.99.

The budget-friendly grill is available nationwide from 12 to 18 June and is ideal for those looking to fire up the barbecue without spending a fortune.

Lidl

Made from chrome-plated steel, the barbecue grate is easy to clean, and the robust[/caption]

Lidl

Heat-resistant case includes a handy carrying handle[/caption]

Lidl

When assembled, it measures 39.5cm wide, 25cm high and 28cm deep[/caption]

The compact and clever design makes it perfect for park picnics, beach days, or small garden gatherings.

It’s ready to use in seconds, thanks to a tool-free folding mechanism, and the funnel-shaped charcoal tray with air vents helps charcoal ignite quickly.

Made from chrome-plated steel, the barbecue grate is easy to clean, and the robust, heat-resistant case includes a handy carrying handle.

When assembled, it measures 39.5cm wide, 25cm high and 28cm deep, and it folds down to a slimline 8.5cm for easy storage and travel.

It weighs just 2kg, so it won’t weigh you down.

Lidl said: “Get £5 off the regular price with the Lidl Plus app 12.06 – 18.06.”

This portable BBQ joins a wave of wallet-friendly summer deals as retailers gear up for barbecue season.

Recently, shoppers were seen racing to B&Q to snap up a “bargain” gas BBQ – slashed from £120 to just £60.

The two-burner gas barbecue is perfect for feeding up to six people and is small enough to fit even in modest outdoor spaces.

B&Q has also launched a huge summer sale, with up to 50 per cent off garden and homeware essentials, making it easy to prep your space for sunny weekends and al fresco dining.

Aldi has also joined the summer savings rush, with its Gardenline Dual Fuel BBQ back in stock for £199.99 – a popular hybrid model that uses both charcoal and gas for flexible grilling.

It’s been described by fans as “the best of both worlds” and usually sells out fast.

Meanwhile, Argos is offering a 3-in-1 smoker, grill and BBQ for just £75, down from £100 – ideal for those who like to slow-cook ribs or experiment with flavours.

Wilko recently relaunched its summer range too, including a compact kettle-style charcoal barbecue for just £25, plus budget garden furniture and accessories to complete your outdoor setup.

Alamy

It weighs just 2kg, so it won’t weigh you down[/caption]

TWO ELDERLY men have been rushed to the hospital following a single-vehicle traffic collision on a busy road in Co Tyrone.

The crash, involving a silver Range Rover, occurred in the Ballymagowan Road area of Clogher at around 4:20pm yesterday.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland and emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after the alarm was raised.

The driver of the vehicle, a man aged in his 80s, and the accompanying passenger, a man in his 90s, were both transported to the hospital for treatment to their injuries.

It is unknown how severe their injuries from the crash are.

The cops reported that the road was closed for a period of time to facilitate emergency services, with local diversions put in place.

The road has now fully reopened since the incident was cleared.

The PSNI confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.

PSNI Inspector Morton said: “The driver of the vehicle, a man aged in his 80s, and accompanying passenger, a man aged in his 90s, were both transported to hospital for treatment to their injuries.

“The road was closed for a time to facilitate emergency services, but has now fully reopened to road users.

“Our investigation is underway to determine what happened, and we are especially keen to hear from anyone who has footage of the vehicle in the area prior to, or at the time of the collision.”

People with information or dash-cam, mobile or other footage are urged to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 995 07/06/25.

Separately, two men were hospitalised following a horror crash between two motorcycles and a car in Co Kildare on June 5.

The incident, which left both motorcyclists with injuries, occurred on the R415 in Boley Little, Athy Co Kildare.

Gardai and emergency services raced to the scene of the crash at around 7.30pm yesterday evening.

SERIOUS INJURIES

One of the men on a motorbike, who is aged in his 20’s, was taken straight to Tallaght Hospital.

He is being treated for serious injuries.

The second motorbike driver, also a man in his 20’s, was brought to the Midland Regional Hospital in Portlaoise.

He is being treated for injuries believed to be non life threatening.

No other injuries were reported from the scene of the collision.

The road was closed off so that members of a Garda Forensics Examination team could investigate the scene.

And Gardai have appealed for witnesses, calling on anyone with information which might be useful to come forward.

Google Streetview

The crash took place in the Ballymagowan Road area of Clogher[/caption]

A WOMAN has revealed that she always lies when she goes on dates, as she’s so embarrassed by her family tree.

Ellie Blythe claims that every time she mean a new potential beau, she tells them she simply has two brothers and a sister.

TikTok/Ellieblythe

Ellie revealed she has 18 siblings[/caption]

TikTok/Ellieblythe

She said she always lies about her family tree when she’s on dates[/caption]

However, this is far from the truth.

“I’ve actually got 18,” she claimed in a viral TikTok video, posted under the username @ellieblythe.

Shocking her viewers even further, she added: “Not only do I have 18, some of them are also my cousins.”

Ellie said that she does not want to have to explain this on dates, as it is too complicated.

The TikToker gave no further information on how this is possible, and didn’t give any evidence to back up her claims.

However, the post quickly garnered the attention of TikTok users, racking up 200,000 views on the video sharing platform.

TikTok users raced to the video’s comments section to share their thoughts.

One person said: “18 siblings?! what’s your mum? was she a cat?”

A second person said: “have two cousins who are also my stepbrother and stepsister.”

A third person said: “I would happily go on a date with you just so I could hear this story.”

And Ellie isn’t the only person to have an unusual family tree.

Celina, 37, revealed that she had three kids with her husband, before realising he was her cousin.

The secret came out, after her husband Joseph, 44 did a DNA test to find out more about his heritage.

“When I realised that we were cousins, I was a little sick to my stomach”, Celina told Love Don’t Judge.

Joseph was in complete denial at first, but after looking closely at the data, realised the truth.

The DNA test confirmed that the duo are third to fifth cousins, and the revelation left them questioning their relationship.

“I thought we were supposed to get divorced, but then I started thinking that for out children we need to stay together”, Celina said.

Celina described the revelation as a “pivotal moment” as “you’re not supposed to be with your cousin, but it happened that way”.

Joseph added that he meant it in his wedding vows when he said: “Till death to us part”, so he decided not to leave his wife due to the discovery.

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TWO children found dead in their rural home were allegedly drugged before being smothered, an autopsy has revealed.

Aussie brothers Max, 6, and Sam Johnson, 7, were found dead on May 5 – with their grandma arrested at the scene.

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A post-mortem examination has found traces of prescription drugs in the boys’ systems, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Police allege their grandma, Kathleen Heggs, 66, gave her grandsons the medications before suffocating them with a pillow.

Heggs allegedly sent a text to authorities saying the two boys were dead and that she planned to take her own life.

When cops arrived at the scene, they found the boys dead in separate rooms and Heggs with self-inflicted injuries.

She was arrested and taken to the mental health unit at Orange Hospital before being transferred into custody.

On May 21, Heggs was charged with two counts of domestic violence murder.

The siblings were reportedly sleeping when the alleged murders occurred.

Heggs, the sole carer for the boys, moved with them over a year ago to a home on the outskirts of Coonabarabran in rural New South Wales.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the move was prompted after the woman “witnessed an incident involving her family too graphic to publish details of, and became known to police as a victim of crime”.

The boys’ dad told the Daily Telegraph that he and his partner had trusted Heggs to care for the children, as they were both struggling with mental health issues.

The couple had not seen the children for five years before their deaths.

“This is not how we were meant to get them back,” he said.

“We are completely broken… but those boys deserve a good send off, and that’s what we are going to give them.”

The boys will be buried wearing their karate uniforms, each with a yellow belt they were due to earn the same week their lives were tragically cut short.

A family friend, who has a son the same age as the boys, said he would see them at karate lessons, football matches and school.

He said there were no clear signs the family was struggling, describing Heggs as a “beautiful lady” and the boys as “cute little kids, full of energy”.

He said locals have been really hard-hit by the news.

“This is a tragedy, and it’s affecting so many. Petty crime happens and that, but it’s a very safe community, we don’t have problems like the cities.”

It comes as investigators found human remains on Friday in the search for Aussie teen Pheobe Bishop, who vanished three weeks ago.

Pheobe’s two housemates James Wood and Tanika Bromley were charged with murder on Thursday, along with two counts of interfering with a corpse.

With Saturday Night Takeaway and Dancing On Ice on the shelf, ITV has had a vacancy for its next big entertainment hit. 

And I can reveal that a star-studded prank show called Celebrity Sabotage has already been filmed and will fill the primetime slot. 

ITV

ITV is to fill the Saturday primetime night gap with star-packed prank show Celebrity Sabotage, with Joel Dommett as host[/caption]

They’ve installed channel golden boy Joel Dommett as host with I’m A Celebrity favourites Sam Thompson and GK Barry plus Loose Women’s Judi Love as support. 

Their mission will be to playfully sabotage unsuspecting members of the public by completing daring and funny stunts. 

And they’ll be helped along by a bulging line-up of celebs which include Jill Scott, Fay Ripley, Olivia Attwood, Jo Brand, Guz Khan and Harry Redknapp. 

But that’s not where the A-list action ends. 

Each episode begins with a set of contestants arriving for what they believe is a brand-new ITV show. 

These range from cooking challenges and relationship tests to business tasks and even murder mystery games. 

To make it even more convincing, these fake shows will have believable hosts, including familiar faces such as Clare Balding, Matt and Emma Willis, Monica Galetti, Jason Fox, Sara Davies and Rylan Clark. 

Every successfully executed sabotage mission will add more money to a secret prize pot for the contestants. 

A source said: “Celebrity Sabotage will have everything ITV does best at its heart — fun and laughter, a huge cash prize and it’s absolutely jam-packed with celebs.” 

The show is set to air on ITV later this year. 

I’d love to have been in the green room for this one. 

Horror time for Mary

Chris Reardon/MGM+

Mary Louise Parker swaps party hats for horror as she stars as sinister Ms Sigsby in adaption of Stephen King’s The Institute[/caption]

Just because she’s wearing a party hat in a first look at new Amazon MGM+ series The Institute doesn’t mean that Mary Louise Parker is all fun and games. 

The actress plays Ms Sigsby in the adaptation of Stephen King’s novel of the same name, the director of a shady institution that kidnaps children before putting them through horrifying experiments and dishing out torture in the hopes of them developing telekinetic and telepathic powers. 

The series director Jack Bender told me: “Mary Louise’s character is evil, and the villain, and even more so coming, let me tell you!” 

She’s joined by Ben Barnes in the series, as former police officer Tim Jameson, and Martin Freeman’s son Joe, as main character Luke Ellis, a super-smart 12-year-old with telekinetic abilities. 

And for Joe, the most intimidating part of the new role wasn’t getting to grips of the horrors of what happens to Luke, but getting to grips with being on set away from his family. 

He joked: “I felt intimidated landing in Canada. I didn’t know anybody on the whole continent.” 

The Institute airs on MGM+ from July 13. 

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Prime Video will air a series of documentaries about some of the UK’s most high-profile true crimes.

The Orkney Assassin: Murder In The Isles, about the killing of a waiter in 1994, streams from today.

The Hunt For Shannon Matthews and Hunting The Tinder Predator will follow later in the year. 

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Black History Month comedy showcase

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A new sketch show comes from the people behind the BBC’s Munya Chawawa’s Race Around Britain and Channel 4’s The Big Narstie Show[/caption]

A new sketch show is coming to ITV later this year to celebrate Black History Month. 

Say! Less! will be packed with sketches based on the differences between internet culture and the offline reality as part of the ITV Diversity Commissioning Spend, a £80million project laid out over the next three years. 

It comes from the minds behind the BBC’s Munya Chawawa’s Race Around Britain and Channel 4’s The Big Narstie Show. 

An insider teased: “Say! Less! is a rapid fire mix of viral parodies and absurd character – it’s bold, smart and unapologetically Black British Gen Z.” 

Casting is yet to be announced but will showcase talent from rising comedy stars. 

It will stream on ITVX in October. 

Patsy’s live ‘too dull’ for Wives

The Mega Agency

Patsy Kensit has turned down Real Housewives of London – admitting her life’s too quiet for the drama-packed series[/caption]

I revealed last month that she was approached to star in the new Real Housewives of London, but Patsy Kensit has now revealed why she turned down the opportunity. 

And it’s not because the actress, who is the ex-wife of Liam Gallagher, was worried about sharing the behind-the-scenes of her life on the Hayu series. 

Surprisingly, it’s because she reckons her life is too boring. 

Patsy told me: “I did have a meeting with them, but I live in my little flat in London with my cat, my sons have flown the nest, and I don’t think my lifestyle would stand up to these women. 

“I wouldn’t fit with them – but I’m a huge fan and I love the show, Real Housewives of Cheshire’s Dawn Ward is one of my favourites, I’m a superfan of hers.” 

The full line up features Real Housewives of Jersey star Karen Loderick-Peace, millionaire mogul Amanda Cronin, Ladies of London’s Juliet Angus, Bake Off: The Professionals star Nessie Welschinger, Australian model Juliet Mayhew and socialite Panthea Parker. 

Stephen: ‘End of an ear-a’

Stephen Mulhern has now presented more episodes of Catchphrase than show legend Roy Walker – but he’s not following in his footsteps quite yet. 

Chatting to TV Biz on the set of ITV’s Celebrity Catchphrase, Stephen revealed a secret behind Roy’s famous “It’s good… but it’s not right” saying, which he’ll never emulate. 

Stephen said: “The reason he used to say that is he never used to wear an earpiece to the production team. 

“So the floor manager would give him a thumbs up if the answer was right, or a thumbs down if it was wrong. 

“So to give him more time, Roy would go, ‘it’s good..’ wait for the floor manager to go down or up… then ‘but it’s not right’ or ‘and it’s right!’. Which is amazing, really, isn’t it? 

“I find it fascinating that Noel Edmonds, Roy, Bruce Forsyth, all those legendary performers and presenters never wear earpieces. 

“They just don’t like it. Brucie never did it, even on Strictly.” 

Patrick is Doc’s orders

Getty - Contributor

Martin Clunes has been bringing joy to hospices with his pet horse Patrick and therapy dogs – calling the visits ‘just fabulous’[/caption]

Doc Martin star Martin Clunes takes his pet horse Patrick into hospices to cheer patients. 

The actor, who played ITV’s socially awkward medic for 10 series, volunteers his pet dogs at the local centre too. 

He said: “I’ve been doing it for a few years. Every now and again, I take a horse down there. 

“He’s a big horse. He’s like 18 hands, Clydesdale. 

“And they just like to touch him really. People have a gut emotional response to him.” 

Clarifying on the Oh My Dog! Podcast, he went on: “Not indoors, outdoors. But then afterwards, I’ll take a dog around the wards. 

“And that’s just fabulous.” 

Who needs bedside manners when you’ve got a furry friend?

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