A consultant psychiatrist has given evidence at the Central Criminal Court in the trial of Stephen Silver, who is charged with murdering Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on June 17, 2020. Professor Harry Kennedy told the jury that Mr Silver, aged 46, of Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, was "an unreliable historian" regarding his mental health. The professor said he found no positive evidence that Mr Silver had suffered a relapse of bipolar affective disorder at the time of the shooting. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The court heard the main issue centres on his state of mind at the time. Cross-examination by defence counsel focused on evidence of abnormal beliefs and behaviour, including Mr Silver's admission to the Central Mental Hospital where he was placed in seclusion. Defence testimony from another psychiatrist suggested Mr Silver's illness had impaired his thinking and judgement. The trial continues.
A consultant psychiatrist has told the Central Criminal Court that Stephen Silver, who stands accused of murdering Garda Colm Horkan with the officer's own firearm, displayed behaviour consistent with his personality rather than mental illness during garda interviews. Professor Harry Kennedy said the accused showed no regret or sympathy for the deceased and appeared angry and self-pitying, but these responses could be attributed to the stress of arrest. The psychiatrist stated that Mr Silver had developed "learned impunity" through a long history of disruptive conduct in Castlebar and surrounding areas, leading him to expect no charges would follow his actions. Mr Silver, aged 46, a motorbike mechanic from Aughavard in Foxford, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to capital murder but guilty to manslaughter. The shooting occurred at Castlerea, County Roscommon, on 17 June 2020. The trial, before Ms Justice Tara Burns, continues with the jury's focus on the accused's state of mind at the time of the incident.
At the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, a murder trial heard evidence concerning Stephen Silver's mental state in the hours before the fatal shooting of Garda Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. Silver's sister, Marian Bruen, testified that she recognised her brother was unwell during a telephone call on 16 June 2020 and that the family planned to have him admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Dr Brenda Wright, interim clinical director at the Central Mental Hospital, gave evidence regarding her psychiatric assessment of Silver, who is aged 46 and from Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo. The prosecution highlighted apparent inconsistencies in Silver's accounts, including a statement he later acknowledged as untrue when interviewed by consultant psychiatrist Professor Harry Kennedy. Silver has pleaded not guilty to capital murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial, before Ms Justice Tara Burns, centres on Silver's mental capacity at the time of the shooting.
At the Central Criminal Court, a psychiatrist gave evidence that Stephen Silver displayed behaviour indicative of mental illness during garda interviews following the fatal shooting of Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, Co Roscommon on 17 June 2020. Dr Brenda Wright, interim clinical director at the Central Mental Hospital, told the court that Silver's conduct during five interviews was facetious, contemptuous and hostile, with incongruent and erratic behaviour including grandiose ideas and disinhibited actions. She stated that Silver's mental state at the time was consistent with a manic relapse of bipolar disorder caused by non-compliance with medication, and that this illness impaired his thinking and judgment. The psychiatrist noted Silver's belief that his companion was in MI6 and other indicators of psychological distress. Silver, aged 46, from Aughavard, Foxford, Co Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to capital murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial continues, with the jury's main consideration being Silver's state of mind at the material time.
The trial of Patrick Sweeney, Martin O'Toole, Paul Beirne, and David Lawlor continues at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court before Judge Martina Baxter. The four men, who have pleaded not guilty to a total of 53 charges, are accused of participating in an attack during the Strokestown repossession case. The State alleges that on December 16, 2018, a group armed with various weapons assaulted four security guards, caused criminal damage, committed aggravated burglary, false imprisonment, arson, robbery, and animal cruelty. Each defendant is separately charged with 17 of these offences. During cross-examination, witness Ian Gordon, who testified to being forced to eat dog faeces, identified himself in bodycam footage from an eviction five days prior to the alleged assaults. Gordon stated his unlicensed security company was hired to execute a court order at the McGann family property. He described lifting a resident out of a seat to escort him out, denying any use of reinforced knuckle gloves or physical abuse beyond necessary restraint. The jury viewed this footage, which showed the resident being moved while his sister protested. The trial is ongoing and will resume on Monday.
The trial of David Lawlor, Martin O'Toole, Paul Beirne, and Patrick Sweeney continues before Judge Martina Baxter and a jury. The four defendants, who have pleaded not guilty to 53 charges including aggravated burglary, false imprisonment, arson, robbery, and animal cruelty, face allegations of a violent attack on security guards at a property in Falsk, Co Roscommon, in December 2018. Witness Ian Gordon testified that he was forced at gunpoint to eat dog faeces and identified Lawlor's voice during the incident. Under cross-examination, Gordon acknowledged his former service with the Ulster Defence Regiment and admitted his security company, GS Agencies Ltd, operated without a company licence, for which he previously entered a guilty plea. Defense counsel suggested Gordon was mistaken in identifying Lawlor, but Gordon maintained he was 100% certain of the identification. The State alleges a group of approximately 30 armed men assaulted four guards, set fire to vehicles, and beat a guard dog unconscious. The defendants are charged with criminal damage, assault causing harm, and violent disorder. The matter is currently at the trial stage, with proceedings ongoing.
A psychiatrist has given evidence at the Central Criminal Court regarding the mental health history of Stephen Silver, aged 46, of Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, who is charged with the murder of Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on June 17, 2020. Dr Brenda Wright, interim clinical director at the Central Mental Hospital, testified about multiple hospital admissions spanning from 2010 to 2019, during which Mr Silver experienced psychotic episodes, paranoid delusions, and aggressive behaviour. Dr Wright told the jury that in interviews conducted after the shooting, Mr Silver described experiencing disturbed sleep, increased alcohol consumption, and paranoid thoughts in the days preceding the incident. Regarding the shooting itself, Mr Silver stated he believed he was struggling for his life and that Gda Horkan had a weapon. Dr Wright concluded that Mr Silver's mental capacity was significantly impaired at the time of the shooting. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial continues before Ms Justice Tara Burns.
Four men are standing trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 53 charges arising from an alleged attack on security personnel during a property repossession at Strokestown, County Roscommon, in December 2018. Patrick Sweeney of Ramelton, County Donegal, Martin O'Toole of Claremorris, County Mayo, Paul Beirne of Boyle, County Roscommon, and David Lawlor of County Meath have each pleaded not guilty to charges including aggravated burglary, false imprisonment, assault causing harm, arson, criminal damage, violent disorder, robbery and animal cruelty. A security guard testified that approximately 30 masked individuals arrived at the property armed with weapons, assaulted four security staff, set vehicles alight and fatally injured a guard dog. The witness further told the court of previous hostile encounters with one of the defendants at other eviction sites. The trial is ongoing.
A forensic psychiatrist has told the Central Criminal Court that Stephen Silver, accused of murdering Garda Horkan in Castlerea, County Roscommon, in June 2020, previously experienced psychotic symptoms at the "extreme end" of bipolar affective disorder. Dr Brenda Wright, interim clinical director at the Central Mental Hospital, gave evidence that Mr Silver, aged 46, a motorbike mechanic from Foxford, County Mayo, was diagnosed with manic psychotic symptoms during a 2003 hospital admission. She outlined multiple psychiatric admissions, voluntary and involuntary, during which Mr Silver exhibited extreme agitation, made threats to staff, and refused medication. A 2006 incident saw him barricaded in his apartment with a sword wearing combat gear. Dr Wright testified that Mr Silver's mental capacity was significantly impaired at the time of the shooting. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to capital murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial before Ms Justice Tara Burns continues, with the jury to determine his state of mind at the material time.
A forensic psychiatrist has told the Central Criminal Court that Stephen Silver's mental capacity was significantly impaired at the time Garda Colm Horkan was shot dead at Castlerea, County Roscommon on June 17, 2020. Dr Brenda Wright, interim clinical director at the Central Mental Hospital, gave evidence during Mr Silver's trial that she interviewed the accused on three occasions between August and September 2020. She outlined his extensive psychiatric history, including multiple hospital admissions since 1998 and a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder. Dr Wright stated that when Mr Silver became unwell, he displayed severe psychotic symptoms. A character witness from Castlebar confirmed he had known Mr Silver for 28 years and had observed concerning changes in his behaviour prior to his hospitalisation. Mr Silver, aged 46 of Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial before Ms Justice Tara Burns continues.
Stephen Silver, a forty-six-year-old motorbike mechanic from Aughavard in Foxford, County Mayo, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court accused of the capital murder of Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to capital murder while knowing or being reckless as to whether the garda was acting in accordance with his duty, and has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. During cross-examination, prosecution counsel Michael Delaney SC questioned Mr Silver's assertion that a woman he was with prior to the shooting was connected to MI6, suggesting the claim had been invented to strengthen his defence. Mr Silver denied this, stating he had genuinely experienced such thoughts. The court heard evidence regarding Mr Silver's psychiatric history, previous incidents involving gardaí, and his pattern of non-compliance with medication following hospital discharge. Mr Silver maintained he did not know the deceased was a garda and stated he had been defending himself. The trial, before Ms Justice Tara Burns, continues.
A publican in Arigna, County Roscommon, has been ordered to pay €3,000 compensation to Bernard Ward following a determination by the Workplace Relations Commission that he unlawfully cancelled a memorial party booking on grounds of the complainant's membership of the Travelling Community. Mr Ward initially contacted the proprietor of the Miner's Bar with his surname misspelled due to autocorrect, receiving provisional acceptance. After clarifying his correct surname, Ward, in a subsequent text, the booking was cancelled, with the publican citing concerns about Covid-19 public health restrictions. The bar owner denied discrimination, asserting he was unaware of the surname's connection to the Travelling Community and that uncertainties regarding vaccination certificates prompted the cancellation. Adjudicating officer Emer O'Shea found no material change in regulations or government announcements between acceptance and cancellation, and determined the only substantive difference was disclosure of Mr Ward's surname. She upheld the complaint under the Equal Status Act 2000, finding the publican had failed to convincingly rebut an inference of discrimination.
A security guard has given evidence to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court regarding an alleged assault at a rural property in Roscommon on 16 December 2018. The witness, who owns a security company, described the moment a dog in his care was struck with a baseball bat during the incident. He told the court that a group of approximately 30 to 40 men arrived at the farmhouse in the early morning, some wearing balaclavas and high-visibility clothing, and that he feared for his life as the assault unfolded. Four men have pleaded not guilty to 53 charges in relation to the incident, including aggravated burglary, false imprisonment, assault causing harm, arson, violent disorder, robbery and animal cruelty. The defendants are Patrick Sweeney from Ramelton, County Donegal; Martin O'Toole from Claremorris, County Mayo; Paul Beirne from Boyle, County Roscommon; and David Lawlor from County Meath. The trial before Judge Martin Baxter continues.
Stephen Silver (46) of Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon, on 17 June 2020. At the Central Criminal Court, Mr Silver gave evidence describing how he discharged the garda's weapon repeatedly during a struggle, stating he believed the officer was an assailant attempting to harm him. He told the jury he continued firing until ammunition was exhausted. The prosecution challenged his account, suggesting he was aware Garda Horkan was a member of An Garda Síochána and arguing that his conduct that evening, including remarks made in the Knockroe estate, indicated an intention to provoke police intervention. The central issue for the jury concerns Mr Silver's state of mind at the time of the incident. Evidence regarding his mental health history, including a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, has been presented. The trial continues before Ms Justice Tara Burns and a jury of twelve.
A 35-year-old man from Baldoyle who was found not guilty of attempted murder by reason of insanity has been assessed as not requiring inpatient care at the Central Mental Hospital. The Central Criminal Court heard on Wednesday that the man, charged with stabbing his former employer at The Elphin Pub on the Baldoyle Road in Sutton in January 2021, currently displays no symptoms of mental disorder. Consultant psychiatrist Dr Servaise Winkel told the court that inpatient treatment is not presently necessary, a view supported by Dr Stephen Monks, a consultant forensic psychiatrist engaged by the Director of Public Prosecutions. The court made no further order. The accused had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the attempted murder charge and faced additional charges of assault causing harm and production of knives. The jury's verdict was delivered following evidence that the man had been experiencing paranoid delusions in the weeks prior to the incident.
Four men have gone on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court accused of involvement in a sustained and brutal attack on security personnel at a repossessed property near Strokestown, County Roscommon in December 2018. Patrick Sweeney, Martin O'Toole, Paul Beirne and David Lawlor each face 17 charges including false imprisonment, assault causing harm, aggravated burglary and arson. The prosecution alleges that approximately 20 to 30 people arrived at the rural house around 5am on 16 December 2018, armed with various weapons, and attacked four security guards who were guarding the property. The court heard that the guards were seriously assaulted, had their hands tied with cable ties and their shoes removed. A German Shepherd dog at the property was beaten and subsequently had to be put down. All four defendants have pleaded not guilty. The prosecution intends to rely on the legal principle of joint enterprise to establish liability. The trial, before Judge Martin Baxter, is scheduled to run for five weeks.
Stephen Silver (46), from Aughavard in Foxford, County Mayo, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with the murder of Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. During evidence, Mr Silver described experiencing mental health episodes since age nineteen, including believing himself to be "the second coming of Jesus" and experiencing paranoid delusions. He told the court he has been hospitalised between sixteen and seventeen times and has schizoaffective disorder. On the day of the incident, Mr Silver said he was at a hotel where he became suspicious of companions and believed English builders present were members of the SAS. He stated he checked underneath his van for explosives due to paranoia and fear. The defence argues Mr Silver's state of mind at the time of the shooting is the central issue in the case. The trial before Ms Justice Burns continues.
Stephen Silver (46), from Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court on a charge of murdering Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon, on 17 June 2020. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The jury has been directed that the central issue concerns his state of mind at the time of the shooting. Video footage from his fifth police interview, conducted on 19 June 2020, was viewed in court on Tuesday. In the footage, Mr Silver stated the garda would not be dead had he remained in his vehicle. Detective Inspector Brian Hanley put it to the accused that Garda Horkan had identified himself and announced an arrest for assault, and that Mr Silver was aware of the firearm the garda carried. Mr Silver declined to respond. Witness statements were read to the court, including one from a resident of Castlerea who heard shouting and gunshots in rapid succession.
Stephen Silver, aged 46 from Aughavard in Foxford, County Mayo, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court accused of the capital murder of Garda Colm Horkan on June 17th, 2020 at Castlerea, County Roscommon. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to murder while knowing or being reckless as to whether the deceased was a garda acting in the course of duty, but has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The jury's central consideration concerns the accused's state of mind at the time of the shooting. During interview footage presented to the jury on Monday, Mr Silver disputed accounts provided by witness James Coyne, describing them as "lies, absolute bullsh*t". He claimed Garda Horkan "never at any stage indicated he was a detective" and questioned why identification had not been produced. Mr Silver's behaviour during the interviews included refusing to answer questions, whistling, singing, and at one point claiming to be a captain in a cavalry reserve unit. Detective Inspector Brian Hanley testified that the accused was aggressive, angry and threatening prior to his fourth interview.
A Central Criminal Court jury has heard garda interview footage in which Stephen Silver, charged with the capital murder of Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon, on 17 June 2020, presented varying accounts of the fatal shooting. The accused, who has pleaded not guilty to capital murder but guilty to manslaughter, told detectives on 18 June 2020 that Garda Horkan discharged his own firearm accidentally during a struggle. In the interviews conducted by Detective Inspectors Brian Hanley and Patrick Farrell, Mr Silver initially claimed he did not fire shots, later stating he fired only into the air, before subsequently denying he fired at all. He maintained he acted in self-defence against an armed assailant whilst en route to purchase food. The court was told Mr Silver had been off medication since September and had not slept for approximately thirty hours at the time of interview. The trial, where Mr Silver's state of mind is the central issue, continues before Ms Justice Tara Burns.
Stephen Silver, a 46-year-old mechanic from Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. He has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. At the Central Criminal Court, the jury heard a video recording of Mr Silver's first interview with gardaí at Castlerea station. In the interview, Mr Silver stated that Garda Horkan initiated a struggle after approaching him on the street, and that the officer went for his gun after losing the ensuing confrontation. Mr Silver told detectives he was certain he would have been killed had he not gained control of the firearm, which he said discharged during the struggle. He said he was "a law-abiding citizen" unaware of the garda's identity. The prosecution presented evidence from Detective Inspector Brian Hanley regarding observations made during the interview. Detective Sergeant Eric Godfrey, who trained with Garda Horkan at Garda College in 1994, gave emotional testimony. The trial continues before Ms Justice Tara Burns and a jury of twelve.
Stephen Silver, a 46-year-old motorbike mechanic from Foxford, County Mayo, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with the capital murder of Garda Colm Horkan on 17 June 2020 at Castlerea, County Roscommon. He has pleaded not guilty to capital murder but guilty to manslaughter. Prosecution witnesses testified that Silver engaged in ordinary conversation about sport, politics and work with hotel guests on the morning of the garda's death. Forensic and pathology evidence detailed extensive gunshot injuries sustained by the deceased officer. A retired garda sergeant stated that Garda Horkan had escorted Silver to a psychiatric unit following a family incident in 2003. A superintendent confirmed Garda Horkan was temporarily appointed as a detective aid and authorised to carry a firearm in plainclothes duties. The defence has acknowledged Silver's responsibility for the shooting. The trial continues before Justice Tara Burns and a jury of twelve.
At the Central Criminal Court, a witness testified that Stephen Silver (46), of Aughavard, Foxford, Co Mayo, appeared "looking crazy" following the fatal shooting of Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, Co Roscommon on June 17, 2020. The garda was shot eleven times with his own firearm. Ms Makulova, a resident of Castlerea Main Street, told the jury she heard gunshots that she initially mistook for fireworks, and observed a man with a ponytail holding a gun standing beside an injured man on the road. A second witness, business owner Dermot Mulvihill, corroborated hearing explosions and described seeing the man discard an object with a metallic sound. Forensic evidence presented showed a palm print matching Mr Silver's on the gun. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to capital murder but guilty to manslaughter. The defence acknowledged the accused's responsibility for the shooting, with the central issue being his state of mind at the time. The trial, before Ms Justice Tara Burns, continues before a jury of seven men and five women.
Stephen Silver, a 46-year-old motorbike mechanic from Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, stands trial at the Central Criminal Court on a charge of capital murder in connection with the death of Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. During proceedings, psychiatric evidence was presented regarding Mr Silver's mental state at the time of arrest. Dr William Monteiro told the court that Mr Silver refused psychiatric assessment but displayed no evidence of active mental illness when observed, appearing lucid and capable of engagement. Dr Greg Kelly, a general practitioner from Castlerea, testified that Mr Silver had disclosed his mental health declined during Covid restrictions and that he had been living in a shed. Dr Kelly noted Mr Silver's demeanour appeared inappropriate for his circumstances and that psychiatric care had diminished due to Covid-related service restrictions. The trial, before Ms Justice Tara Burns, continues.
Stephen Silver, aged 46, of Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with the capital murder of Garda Colm Horkan. The trial heard that Garda Horkan was shot eleven times with his own firearm at Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to capital murder but guilty to manslaughter. Civilian witnesses gave evidence that after the shooting, Mr Silver repeatedly told gardaí: "If I hadn't killed him, he would have killed me." Garda witnesses testified that Mr Silver was agitated and aggressive in custody, and that he later spat at officers and urinated on the floor of his cell. During cross-examination, the defence counsel indicated that Mr Silver's state of mind at the time of the incident remains the central issue in dispute. The trial continues before Ms Justice Tara Burns.
At the Central Criminal Court, a garda has given evidence describing the fatal shooting of his colleague Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. Stephen Silver, aged 46, from Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to capital murder but guilty to manslaughter. Garda Aidan Fallon testified that he witnessed the incident and found Garda Horkan shot eleven times with his own firearm. The court heard that Silver made comments and behaved disruptively as emergency procedures were performed. Multiple witnesses provided accounts of the struggle and subsequent gunshots on Main Street. Sergeant Michael O'Hara and other gardaí testified regarding Silver's statements and demeanour following his arrest. The defence has indicated that Silver's state of mind at the time remains the central issue in dispute. The trial before Ms Justice Tara Burns continues.
A human trafficking trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has been discharged after ten days due to unforeseen circumstances. The case against Natalia Nogueira Da Silva of Drumlish, County Longford, and Ivanilce Vailones Fidelis of Roscommon is expected to recommence before a new jury later this month. Judge Patricia Ryan discharged the existing jury, citing the impossibility of proceeding under current circumstances. Da Silva has admitted 35 charges including organising prostitution, facilitating illegal entry, and money laundering offences alleged between 2015 and 2020. She has denied a single count of human trafficking. Vailones Fidelis has denied all 18 charges against her, including two counts of human trafficking, one count of organising prostitution, and money laundering charges covering the same period. The original trial had been scheduled for six weeks. The matter was adjourned to Friday for assignment of a new trial date.
At the Central Criminal Court, a garda recounted attending to her colleague Garda Colm Horkan after he was fatally shot at Castlerea, Co Roscommon on 17 June 2020. Garda Helen Gillen described witnessing two men grappling before one was shot multiple times with his own firearm. She performed CPR on Garda Horkan after realising he was the victim. Stephen Silver, aged 46, a motorbike mechanic from Foxford, Co Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to capital murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial heard evidence from eyewitness James Coyne, who was with Silver that evening, describing how an interaction with Garda Horkan escalated into violence. Another witness, Paul McGarry, a local resident, testified to hearing gunshots and disturbances in the area. The defence has indicated that Silver's state of mind at the time remains the central issue, with responsibility for the shooting accepted. The trial continues before Ms Justice Tara Burns.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a Brazilian woman gave evidence that she was required to engage in sexual relations with one of the accused and her husband on multiple occasions. Testifying via video-link with an interpreter, the complainant described being selected as a "girlfriend" for weekends at properties in Roscommon and various hotels. She stated she was not willing to participate in these activities. The prosecution alleges that Ivanilce Vailones Fidelis, of Racecourse Road, Roscommon, and Natalia Nogueira Da Silva, of Drumlish, County Longford, trafficked two vulnerable Brazilian women for sexual exploitation. The court heard the complainant was encouraged to consume alcohol and drugs, and was instructed to continue working during menstruation. She was subsequently evicted from an apartment near Kildare Village after requesting repairs. Ms Vailones Fidelis, aged 46, has denied all 18 charges including human trafficking and money laundering offences dating between 2015 and 2020. Ms Da Silva, aged 32, has admitted 35 charges but denies one count of human trafficking. The trial continues before Ms Justice Patricia Ryan.
The Central Criminal Court heard evidence on Thursday that Stephen Silver, a forty-six-year-old mechanic from Foxford in County Mayo, was shouting in a Castlerea street on the night Garda Colm Horkan was fatally shot, daring armed gardaí to confront him. Witness testimony established that Mr Silver had visited Castlerea Garda Station earlier that day to lodge an angry complaint about a garda raid on a neighbouring property. Several residents of Knockroe estate told the court they observed Mr Silver riding a motorbike recklessly around the area at approximately ten-thirty that evening, engaging in erratic behaviour including aggressive shouting. One witness stated she heard him challenge the armed squad to come down. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Garda Horkan on June seventeenth, twenty twenty, but has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. His defence team has indicated that Mr Silver's state of mind at the material time remains the central issue in the trial before Ms Justice Tara Burns. The case continues.
A Brazilian woman has testified at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that she expected merely to survive each day while allegedly trafficked in Ireland for sexual exploitation. Giving evidence via video-link with interpreter support, the woman described arriving in 2018 after being promised massage work, but was moved weekly between locations including Ballymahon, County Longford. She stated she was required to engage in sexual services, serving seven to nine clients daily at €100 to €150 each, while having limited English and facing aggressive clients. The witness detailed a system whereby she paid weekly fees for website listing, accommodation ranging from €500 to €900, transport, and transferred half her earnings to an account controlled by accused parties. She recalled meeting other women at a Christmas gathering organised by one of the accused. Natalia Nogueira Da Silva, of Drumlish, County Longford, has pleaded guilty to organising prostitution and money laundering but denies one human trafficking charge. Ivanilce Vailones Fidelis, of Roscommon, denies all eighteen charges including two human trafficking counts.
A man has been found not guilty of attempted murder by reason of insanity following a trial at the Central Criminal Court. The jury returned the special verdict in the case of Neil O'Dowd, who was charged with stabbing his former employer 19 times at The Elphin Pub on the Baldoyle Road in Sutton on January 28, 2021. The victim sustained serious injuries including a pseudoaneurysm requiring surgical intervention. Medical evidence presented to the court indicated that O'Dowd was experiencing a psychotic episode at the time, consistent with paranoid schizophrenia, and did not know the nature or wrongfulness of his actions. Two forensic psychiatrists agreed on his mental state. The jury deliberated for 28 minutes before returning a unanimous verdict. The matter has been adjourned to February 15 for assessment of O'Dowd's current mental health status, with O'Dowd remanded on continuing bail.
A jury has been discharged in the trial of Stephen Silver at the Central Criminal Court following difficulty raised by one juror. Mr Silver, aged 46, a motorbike mechanic from Aughavard in Foxford, Co Mayo, faces a charge of murdering Garda Colm Horkan, aged 49, at Castlerea, Co Roscommon on 17 June 2020. He has pleaded not guilty to capital murder and guilty to manslaughter. The original jury of twelve was sworn in on Monday and the prosecution opened its case on Tuesday. However, when proceedings resumed on Wednesday morning, a juror indicated an inability to continue serving. Justice Tara Burns determined it inappropriate to proceed with eleven jurors and discharged the entire panel. Both prosecution and defence agreed this course was preferable. A fresh jury panel was expected to be sworn in later that day to commence the trial afresh.
A 35-year-old man charged with the attempted murder of a pub manager in Baldoyle has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court. The accused is alleged to have stabbed the victim 19 times at The Elphin Pub on Baldoyle Road on 28 January 2021. Two forensic psychiatrists giving evidence for the prosecution and defence have told the jury that the accused was experiencing profound psychosis at the time of the alleged incident. Both experts diagnosed the man with a psychotic disorder and testified that severe delusions—including false beliefs about the victim's involvement in an unsolved murder—had severely impaired his judgement. The psychiatrists stated that his condition would have prevented him from understanding the nature of his actions. Both doctors recommended that a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity should be considered. The prosecution and defence have agreed on the facts of the case, with the jury to determine whether the requisite intent was present. The unnamed 35-year-old was acquitted.
A 35-year-old man charged with the attempted murder of his former employer at a public house in Baldoyle has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court. The accused is alleged to have stabbed the manager of the Elphin Pub on the Baldoyle Road on 28 January 2021, inflicting 19 stab wounds across the victim's shoulders, chest and hands using three separate knives. The victim also sustained a serious cardiac injury requiring surgical intervention. During trial, the prosecution and defence agreed on the factual circumstances of the incident. Evidence heard indicated the accused, who formerly worked as a barman at the establishment, told gardaí he believed his former boss was responsible for an unsolved murder in Mauritius. The defence presented that the accused was experiencing psychotic delusions and paranoia in the weeks preceding the assault. Two medical reports for both prosecution and defence were to be considered regarding the accused's mental state at the time of the alleged offence.
At the Central Criminal Court, Stephen Silver, aged 46, a motorbike mechanic from Foxford, County Mayo, pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Garda Colm Horkan on June 17, 2020, at Castlerea, County Roscommon. He has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The prosecution opening alleged that following an encounter on the main street in Castlerea, Mr Silver engaged in a struggle with the uniformed officer, seized his firearm, and discharged it multiple times, causing fatal injuries. The court heard that Mr Silver told gardai at the scene that the deceased had attempted to attack him. The defence intends to raise issues of bipolar disorder and diminished responsibility due to mental health difficulties. The trial, before Ms Justice Tara Burns and a jury of twelve, is expected to last six weeks. The main disputed issue concerns Mr Silver's state of mind at the time of the incident.
A jury of six men and six women has been sworn in at the Central Criminal Court for the trial of a man charged with the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan. Stephen Silver, aged 46, of Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, pleads not guilty to capital murder in relation to the death of Det Gda Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. He has entered a guilty plea to manslaughter. Justice Eileen Creedon advised the jury that proceedings are expected to extend over six weeks. The defence is expected to raise matters concerning bipolar disorder and diminished responsibility on grounds of mental health difficulties. The trial, led by Justice Tara Burns, commences tomorrow at 11am before the sworn jury.
A human trafficking trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has been adjourned following the unavailability of a complainant. The witness, who has been giving evidence via video link with the aid of an interpreter, was scheduled to face cross-examination but became unable to attend. Judge Patricia Ryan informed the jury that the witness may remain unavailable for more than a week and discharged the jury for the day, with proceedings expected to resume the following afternoon. The State alleges that Natalia Nogueira Da Silva, aged 32, of Cairn Hill View, Drumlish, County Longford, and Ivanilce Vailones Fidelis, aged 46, of Castle Manor, Racecourse Road, Roscommon, trafficked two vulnerable Brazilian women for exploitation between 2015 and 2020. Ms Vailones Fidelis has denied eighteen charges, including human trafficking and money laundering offences. Ms Da Silva has admitted thirty-five charges but denies one count of human trafficking in 2019.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a defence barrister has proposed that a Brazilian woman alleging she was trafficked to work as a prostitute was in fact already a sex worker who chose to come to Ireland for that purpose. The complainant, giving evidence via video link with an interpreter, has previously stated she worked as a hairdresser in Brazil. During cross-examination on the second day, the defence counsel for Ivanilce Vailones Fidelis put multiple propositions to the woman, including that she was free to leave accommodation, controlled her own clients, and that her work profile was voluntarily managed. The defence also presented social media evidence from the woman's Instagram and Tinder accounts showing photographs from her time in Ireland. The complainant maintained she had no support network and was instructed to obey orders, with hopes of completing three months before being released. Natalia Nogueira Da Silva, of Drumlish, County Longford, has admitted charges including organising prostitution and money laundering but denied one human trafficking count. Vailones Fidelis pleaded not guilty. Da Silva pleaded not guilty.
A woman giving evidence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has described coming to Ireland with hopes of improving her circumstances and saving money to start a business. The witness, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, told the jury she arrived under what she characterised as an employment arrangement with expectations of financial gain. The woman was testifying in the trial of Natalia Nogueira Da Silva, of Drumlish, County Longford, and Ivanilce Vailones Fidelis, of Roscommon, who are accused of human trafficking. The State alleges both defendants trafficked two vulnerable Brazilian women for exploitation. During cross-examination, the witness clarified aspects of her initial complaint to gardaí and addressed questions regarding her immigration status and residency application. Ms Da Silva has pleaded guilty to organising prostitution and money laundering offences, and has admitted facilitating illegal entry to the State. She maintains her not-guilty plea to human trafficking. Ms Vailones Fidelis has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including human trafficking, organising prostitution, and money laundering. The trial continues before Judge Patricia Ryan and a jury.
A woman giving evidence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has described being moved between rural towns weekly while allegedly trafficked for sexual exploitation. The complainant, who cannot be named, told the trial she was relocated from locations including Portarlington, Enniscorthy and Tralee, and kept a knife for protection following violent incidents with clients. She said she received instructions via phone and messaging apps from two women regarding services to be provided and payment collection, with no option to refuse work or relocation. Natalia Nogueira Da Silva, aged 32, of Drumlish, County Longford, has pleaded not guilty to human trafficking between March and May 2019, but guilty to organising prostitution, facilitating illegal entry to the State, and money laundering charges. Ivanilce Vailones Fidelis, aged 46, of Roscommon, denies all eighteen counts against her, including two counts of human trafficking and fourteen counts of money laundering. The prosecution alleges both defendants exploited vulnerable Brazilian women through debt bondage. The trial continues at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Two women have gone on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on charges relating to the alleged trafficking of Brazilian nationals for sexual exploitation across rural Irish towns. Natalia Nogueira Da Silva, aged 32, of Drumlish, Co Longford, has pleaded not guilty to human trafficking but guilty to organising prostitution, facilitating illegal entry, and money laundering offences. Her co-accused, Ivanilce Vailones Fidelis, aged 46, of Roscommon, has pleaded not guilty to all charges against her, including two counts of human trafficking, organising prostitution, and money laundering. The prosecution alleges the two women trafficked vulnerable women between December 2018 and May 2019, moving them between towns including Portarlington, Thurles, and Tralee for sexual work. The State contends the women were controlled through debt bondage and threats. The trial, before Judge Patricia Ryan and a jury, is expected to last six weeks.
A man has been sentenced to three years in custody at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following a road incident in Lucan that endangered innocent bystanders. Martin Mongan, aged 47, was convicted by jury of endangerment and dangerous driving arising from an incident on Newcastle Road on 6 May 2018. The court heard that Mongan, embroiled in a family feud originating from a violent incident at a Roscommon funeral in 2017, deliberately drove his truck at a van containing family members he was in dispute with. The collision caused the van to strike an uninvolved car with three occupants who had no connection to the parties involved. Judge Patricia Ryan noted the incident occurred in broad daylight and considered aggravating factors including the repeated nature of the driving at the van. The judge stated a custodial sentence was necessary to mark the seriousness of the offence and its effects on the injured parties.
In the Special Criminal Court, Jonathan Dowdall, a former Sinn Fein councillor and key witness in the Regency Hotel murder trial, testified that he is 'not a rat' and is not involved with Sinn Fein. He denied lying under oath about his relationship with Pearse McAuley, who was jailed for the manslaughter of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe. Dowdall admitted to visiting McAuley in Castlerea Prison multiple times, though he initially claimed only two or three visits. Under cross-examination, it was revealed that he had visited McAuley 14 times between February 2015 and January 2016. Dowdall also testified that he was 'set up' for the murder of David Byrne by being connected to a room at the Regency Hotel used by one of the raiders. Gerard Hutch, who has pleaded guilty to facilitating Mr Byrne's murder, stated that a 'massive amount of pressure' was put on Dowdall after he was granted bail. Patrick Dowdall was jailed for two years before the Regency trial started after he admitted his part in booking the hotel room for the raiders. Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney have pleaded not guilty to charges of participating in or contributing to the murder of David Byrne by providing access to motor vehicles on February 5, 2016. The matter was adjourned.
An 18‑year‑old who received a suspended five‑year prison sentence for orally raping a minor in 2018 is now under investigation for sexual assault of a teenage girl in a West of Ireland town. The court heard that since moving there three months ago he has had 12 interactions with gardai, including incidents involving vulnerable teenage girls. He was found with two girls who had been reported missing – a 16‑year‑old in September and a 13‑year‑old in October – and was again found with a 16‑year‑old who later alleged physical assault. He has also been arrested for public order offences, theft of alcohol and breach of the Sex Offenders Act for failing to notify gardai of a change of address. The judge adjourned the case to 31 January, stating he would require evidence of genuine engagement with probation and therapeutic services before considering the suspended sentence again. The unnamed 18-year-old pleaded guilty.
A 22-year-old man from Sligo has been scheduled to stand trial at the Central Criminal Court in November 2023 on charges relating to two deaths and an attempted murder in the town. Yousef Palani is charged with the murder of Aidan Moffitt on April 10th and Michael Snee on April 12th, as well as the attempted murder of another man on April 9th. At a brief hearing before Mr Justice Paul McDermott, the trial was fixed for November 13th, 2023. Defence counsel indicated the case is expected to last approximately four weeks. Mr Palani appeared via video-link from Castlerea Prison in Roscommon during the hearing.
The Court of Appeal has reduced the prison sentence of Christopher Ashmore, a 76-year-old man convicted of sexually assaulting his partner's daughter in the late 1990s. Ashmore, of Co Roscommon, had pleaded not guilty to five counts of sexual assault, including two charges of oral rape, committed in Dublin between January 1998 and December 1999. A Central Criminal Court jury found him guilty on four counts in June 2021. Originally, Ms Justice Carmel Stewart sentenced him to ten years' imprisonment for the two oral rape charges, with the final 12 months suspended, and three years for the two sexual assault charges, to run concurrently. In this appeal, Mr Justice John Edwards dismissed the challenge to the conviction but quashed the original sentence for the rape convictions, citing Ashmore's age and the prospect he might die in prison. In re-sentencing, Mr Justice Edwards fixed a headline sentence of 12 years but discounted three years in mitigation and suspended the final two years. Consequently, Ashmore is to serve nine years' imprisonment with the final two years suspended. The victim, who waived anonymity, described Ashmore as a "sick sexual abuser" who left her a "broken child." The court noted the offending was heinous and persistent, but adjusted the effective custody period based on mitigating factors.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has been unable to reach a verdict in the trial of Stephen Silver concerning the death of Detective Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. Mr Silver accepts that he discharged the detective's own firearm eleven times but denies the charge of murder. The defence argued that Mr Silver should be found guilty of manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility, citing evidence that he was suffering from bipolar affective disorder at the time. The jury of seven men and five women deliberated for just under nine hours over three days before reporting they could not reach agreement. Mr Justice Paul McDermott remanded Mr Silver in custody pending a retrial, with the case listed for 9 December at the Central Criminal Court. The judge thanked the jury for their careful consideration of what he described as a deeply difficult and disturbing case. Stephen Silver was acquitted.
The jury in the trial of Stephen Silver, a motorbike mechanic from Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, has been instructed that majority verdicts are now permissible at the Central Criminal Court. Mr Justice Paul McDermott informed the twelve-person jury, entering their third day of deliberations, that they may return a verdict supported by at least ten jurors rather than requiring unanimity. Silver is charged with the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. The jury must determine between verdicts of capital murder, murder, manslaughter, or manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. Defence evidence suggested Silver suffered bipolar affective disorder at the time, whilst prosecution psychiatric evidence contradicted this assessment of his mental capacity. Detective Garda Horkan sustained eleven gunshot wounds. Deliberations are continuing.
The jury in the trial of Stephen Silver, a 46-year-old motorbike mechanic from Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, continued deliberations at the Central Criminal Court on Wednesday. Mr Silver stands accused of murdering Detective Garda Colm Horkan, who suffered eleven gunshot wounds during an incident at Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to capital murder but guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. The jury must decide between verdicts of capital murder, murder, manslaughter, or manslaughter by diminished responsibility. Central to the case are conflicting expert psychiatric assessments regarding Mr Silver's mental state at the time of the shooting. Justice Paul McDermott instructed the jury to apply common sense in evaluating evidence from two consultant psychiatrists who disagreed on this issue. The panel of seven men and five women will resume deliberations on Thursday morning at eleven o'clock.