Jury to resume deliberations on Thursday in Richard Satchwell murder trial
Richard Satchwell (right) arriving at the District Court in Cashel, Co Tipperary, after being charged in connection with the murder of his wife Tina Satchwell. Picture: PA /Brian Lawless
The jury will return on Thursday to consider its verdict in the case of Richard Satchwell, who stands accused of the murder of his wife Tina in March 2017.
Deliberations resumed at 10.40am this morning and paused for lunch at 1pm, before concluding for the day shortly after 4pm.Â
Mr Satchwell, 58, has pleaded not guilty to murdering his 45-year-old wife, Tina Satchwell (née Dingivan), at their home on Grattan Street, Youghal, Co Cork, between March 19 and March 20, 2017, inclusive.
Mr Justice Paul McDermott concluded his charge on Tuesday afternoon to the 12 jurors, having told them on Monday that they could consider the issue of self-defence.
The judge said the onus lay on the prosecution to prove that Mr Satchwell was not acting in self defence. He said a scenario had been presented to the jury that the accused was attacked by Ms Satchwell and had sought to defend himself in the manner described in his interviews with gardaÃ.
He stated that if the jury decided the force used by Mr Satchwell was reasonable in the circumstances as he honestly believed them to be, then they must acquit him of both murder and manslaughter and return a verdict of not guilty.
The judge explained that if Mr Satchwell honestly believed he used no more force than was reasonably necessary, but the degree of force used was not what a reasonable person would have used, then he would not be guilty of murder but would be guilty of manslaughter.
He added that if self-defence did not apply, the jury could find the accused guilty of murder, provided they were satisfied that he intended to kill or cause serious injury.
The jury is set to resume deliberations at 2pm this afternoon.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
