Garda murder accused's mental capacity 'significantly impaired', psychiatrist tells trial

A forensic psychiatrist has told the Central Criminal Court that Stephen Silver's mental capacity was significantly impaired at the time Garda Colm Horkan was shot dead at Castlerea, County Roscommon on June 17, 2020. Dr Brenda Wright, interim clinical director at the Central Mental Hospital, gave evidence during Mr Silver's trial that she interviewed the accused on three occasions between August and September 2020. She outlined his extensive psychiatric history, including multiple hospital admissions since 1998 and a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder. Dr Wright stated that when Mr Silver became unwell, he displayed severe psychotic symptoms. A character witness from Castlebar confirmed he had known Mr Silver for 28 years and had observed concerning changes in his behaviour prior to his hospitalisation. Mr Silver, aged 46 of Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial before Ms Justice Tara Burns continues.