Richard Satchwell has appeared in an Irish court charged with the murder of his wife Tina Satchwell.
It comes after Irish police discovered skeletal remains buried beneath a home in Youghal, Co Cork, earlier this week.
Ms Satchwell, originally from Fermoy, was 45 when last seen alive. She had been missing from her home in Youghal since March 2017.
A major search operation began at a house and surrounding grounds in Youghal on Tuesday, with the Irish police service An Garda Siochana confirming human remains were found late on Wednesday.
It is understood gardai are now satisfied the remains are those of Ms Satchwell.
Mr Satchwell, 57, with an address on Grattan Street, Youghal, Co Cork, appeared at Cashel District Court in Co Tipperary on Saturday.
Detective Garda David Kelleher, of Cobh Garda Station, told the court he arrested Satchwell at 7.34pm on Friday and charged him, on receipt of direction, for the alleged offence of murder at 8.07pm.
Mr Satchwell was remanded in custody to appear again at Clonmel District Court at 10.30am on Tuesday October 17 via videolink.
Wearing glasses, a black t-shirt and grey pants, Mr Satchwell did not speak during the hearing.
A tattoo which read ‘TINA’ was visible on his right arm.
Defence solicitor Eddie Burke made an application for legal aid on behalf of Mr Satchwell, which Judge Miriam Walsh granted.
The court was told Mr Satchwell is not working.
Mr Burke also recommended that Mr Satchwell receives medical attention on entry into prison and Judge Walsh said she would make that recommendation.
Mr Burke made a formal application for Mr Satchwell to be remanded in Cork Prison as opposed to Limerick Prison.
The judge said this was not within her remit but said the governors can make their own arrangements.