Pearse McAuley was judged a hero by some until his violent leanings caused embarrassment

It is unclear how long the garda killer had been dead but the PSNI has indicated it does not consider the death suspicious

Pearse McAuley was by turns a Republican hero, garda killer, vicious wife-beater and a go-between for criminals and dissident IRA factions. Photo: Lorraine Teevan

Pearse McAuley, who was found dead at his home in Tyrone on Monday, was by turns a Republican hero, garda killer, vicious wife-beater and a go-between for criminals and dissident IRA factions. 

He was celebrated in the so-called Republican movement for his willingness and aptitude for killing, but he became an embarrassment after assaulting his wife — current Sinn Féin TD Pauline Tully — to the extent that she was lucky to live through the ordeal.