Murder accused enacted 'personal dramas involving confrontation with gardai', psychiatrist tells trial

At the Central Criminal Court, a consultant psychiatrist has disputed evidence that a murder accused's responsibility was diminished due to mental illness. Professor Harry Kennedy told Stephen Silver's trial that the accused, aged 46 and from Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, displayed a pattern of self-dramatising behaviour during confrontations with gardaí rather than symptoms typical of bipolar disorder. Professor Kennedy referenced a 2006 incident in which Mr Silver emerged from his apartment with a sword and helmet before eventually complying with gardaí, characterising this as theatrical rather than pathological. He argued that Mr Silver's actions surrounding the death of Detective Garda Horkan—including repeatedly firing a gun and selectively deciding how to cooperate with gardaí afterwards—demonstrated purposeful intent and rational decision-making inconsistent with diminished responsibility. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. The trial, before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury, continues.