'I kept shooting until the gun finished,' accused tells trial of moment he shot garda

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.