National court archive ยท 2026-03-19
Garda murderer claims psychiatric evidence contradicted legal test for insanity
At a glance
- Crime
- murder
- People
- Stephen Silver, Garda Colm Horkan, Dominic McGinn SC, Professor Harry Kennedy, Dr Brenda Wright
- Locations
- Aughaward, Foxford, Co Mayo, Castlerea, Co Roscommon
- Court
- appeal hearing
- Outcome
- reserved judgment
Summary
Stephen Silver is appealing his murder conviction over psychiatric evidence and jury directions concerning insanity and diminished responsibility after he shot Garda Colm Horkan with the garda's service weapon. At the appeal hearing, the court heard competing arguments about whether purposeful actions could coexist with the relevant mental-health defence and reserved judgment.
Original reporting: courtsnewsireland.ie