Richard satchwell, 58, of Leicester, UK, has entered a plea of not guilty in the murder of his wife, Tina Satchwell, 45. The arraignment took place at the Central Criminal Court on Monday afternoon. Mr. Satchwell is charged with the murder of Ms. Satchwell, wich allegedly occurred at their residence on Grattan Street, Youghal, Co Cork, between March 19 and March 20, 2017.

The Plea and Jury Selection

During the court proceedings, the court registrar asked Mr. Satchwell for his plea. Dressed in a blue and white check shirt and navy trousers, Mr. Satchwell responded: Not guilty.

Following the plea, a jury consisting of seven women and five men was empanelled by Mr. justice Kerida Naidoo to preside over the case.

Trial Details and Witness List

The jury members were instructed to select a foreperson and return to court on Tuesday. The trial, expected to last six weeks, is scheduled to commence before Mr. Justice Paul McDermott.

Before the jury was empanelled, Mr. Justice naidoo addressed the panel, acknowledging the media attention surrounding the case. He asked potential jurors to recuse themselves if they had any personal connections to the involved parties or witnesses, or if they felt they could not remain objective.

The judge then read out an extensive list of witnesses, which included numerous gardaí (Irish police officers) from various Garda stations, primarily located in Co Cork. The witness list also features State Pathologist Dr. Margot Bolster, forensic and ballistic experts, medical professionals, and representatives from a building company based in Midleton.

Legal Depiction

Mr. Satchwell is being represented by Brendan Grehan, SC (Senior Counsel), with barrister Paula McCarthy, instructed by solicitor Eddie Burke. The Director of Public Prosecutions is represented by prosecution counsel Geraldine Small, SC, and barrister Imelda Kelly.

Key Quote

When asked by the court registrar what his plea was, mr Satchwell, wearing a blue and white check shirt and navy trousers, replied: Not guilty.