Garda murder accused describes moment he shot detective 11 times

Stephen Silver, aged 46, a motorbike mechanic from Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, has given evidence at the Central Criminal Court regarding the death of Detective Garda Colm Horkan on 17 June 2020 at Castlerea, County Roscommon. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. During his testimony, he described a struggle with the detective during which he obtained the garda's firearm and discharged it eleven times as Garda Horkan fell to the ground. Mr Silver stated he was experiencing confused thoughts and acted in self-defence, believing he faced danger. Under cross-examination, counsel highlighted that Mr Silver had been admitted to psychiatric units seventeen times since 2003 and had discontinued prescribed medication despite medical advice, preferring how he felt without treatment. The trial before Mr Justice Paul McDermott continues.