Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Coach suspended by Basketball Ireland over sex abuse allegations is found dead

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It’s understood he was found dead in his home on Friday morning.

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A basketball coach – who had been suspended from coaching on foot of allegations of grooming and later arrested on suspicion of child sex abuse – has been found dead in tragic circumstances in Co Cork.

It’s understood he was found dead in his home on Friday morning.

The man was suspended from his role as a coach in July of this year.

It’s understood the suspension concerned allegations of grooming while a historical allegation of sexual abuse was also made against him.

He was arrested and detained for questioning at a garda station in Munster on Wednesday of last week.

Parents of underage and senior girls coached by the man were informed of his suspension at a meeting called by his club earlier this year.

They were told both the Child and Family Agency Tusla and Gardai had been informed after an underage player at the club had raised concerns over alleged inappropriate behaviour.

Basketball Ireland, the national governing body for the sport, confirmed it suspended the coach from the club while the investigation continued.

The organisation said at the time it was liaising with An Garda Siochana.

In June, gardai confirmed they were made aware of the alleged misconduct and had launched an investigation into the incident.

A spokesperson confirmed: “Gardaí are investigating a complaint received in the Southern Region. A file is being prepared for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.”

A local told the Sunday World the man’s suspension in June had caused shock in the community as had his death on Friday.

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