Trial of man accused or murdering Garda Colm Horkan delayed until autumn

Stephen Silver, aged 45, of Aughaward, Foxford, County Mayo, is charged with the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan on Main Street, Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. The charge alleges the accused acted knowing or being reckless as to whether the garda was a member of An Garda Síochána acting in the course of his duty. Silver's trial at the Central Criminal Court has been postponed from its scheduled date of 15 June to 4 October. The adjournment was granted after the court heard that a psychiatric assessment of the accused, being compiled by Dr Harry Kennedy, Clinical Director of the Central Mental Hospital, would not be completed in time. Mr Justice Paul McDermott acceded to the delay reluctantly but noted the importance of the trial proceeding "with a clear run" when it resumes. The case is next mentioned on 20 May.