THE investigation into the murder of Tina Satchwell, whose remains were found under the stairs of her home in Co Cork, will be reviewed.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris admitted that “in hindsight”, it may seem “pretty obvious” where the remains of the 52-year-old Cork woman were located.
Richard Satchwell was sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday after being found guilty of the murder of his wife Tina by a jury at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin.
And Commissioner Harris‘ order for a review into the investigation comes following criticism that Tina Satchwell’s remains were missed by gardai in the first search of the home on Grattan Street in Youghal in 2017.
The trial of Richard had heard how there was construction work in the house following the murder, along with complaints of a bad smell.
Speaking at a graduation ceremony for new Gardai today, Commissioner Harris said that there are “lessons we wish to learn” from past cases.
He said: “We want to review that ourselves, like we have the expertise within the organisation, and obviously, then we will be reporting that to the Minister and to the Policing and Community Safety policing authority, as is our responsibility.
“But I do think there are, there is definitely lessons that we wish to learn from all of these homicides where it’s missing persons, and then convert in time to a homicide investigation”.
Following Richard Satchwell’s sentencing earlier this week, Taoiseach Micheal Martin welcomed the sentence but said “it did take longer” than ordinary for the crime to be resolved.
He said: “The criminal justice system has worked here.
“It did take longer than maybe ordinarily but at least it is a crime that has been resolved and I would pay tribute to the Gardai for bringing it to this stage and for enabling a conviction to be secured.”
