The Tipperary town man who died after an incident in his back garden was convicted of two sexual offences last year.
80-year-old Teddy Murnane from St Michael’s Avenue in the town died on September 15 after being seriously injured in an incident in the garden of his home on September 12 at around 9.30pm. He was buried last Friday.
A man has been charged in connection with the incident.
It has now emerged that Murnane pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court last October of two counts of indecent assault against one victim. It is understood the crimes were historic.
Last December, he was given a 20-month prison sentence on both counts, which was to run concurrently. However, the sentences were suspended on condition that he kept the peace and be of good behaviour for the duration of 20 months.
He was also subject to the conditions of part 2 of the Sex Offenders Act 2001. Gardai confirmed that there was a “public record in terms of a conviction”.
A spokesman said: “There is no other formal complaint or investigation.” However, garda sources indicated that they were aware of “intel” concerning Murnane.
It is understood that the conviction is not being considered as a motive in the incident which led to his death.
Murnane had worked as a bus driver and was the driver for the Tipperary senior hurling team in the 1980s and 1990s.
It is understood that Murnane’s wife of 55 years, Margaret, was in their home when the incident which led to his death occurred in the back garden of their home. The couple have three grown-up children and seven grandchildren.
His death prompted locals to organise a vigil near his home.
Gardaí have appealed to anyone who was in the area of St Michael’s Avenue between 7pm and 10pm, and has video camera footage (including dash-cam), to make it available to gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Tipperary Town Garda Station on 062 80670, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.