'No rational basis or motivation' for shooting garda, defence tell murder trial jury

At the Central Criminal Court, defence counsel Dominic McGinn SC argued during closing submissions that Stephen Silver's shooting of Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020 was not a rational act and should prompt questions about his mental capacity at the time. Mr McGinn told the jury that Mr Silver's behaviour in custody was erratic, including urinating in his cell and banging his head against walls, suggesting limited social functioning. He contended that the accused was experiencing a relapse of bipolar affective disorder when the incident occurred. Expert evidence was divided: consultant psychiatrist Professor Harry Kennedy maintained mental illness played no part in the shooting, while Dr Brenda Wright, interim clinical director at the Central Mental Hospital, concluded Mr Silver's mental illness was a significant factor. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial, at the Central Criminal Court, continues with the judge's charge to the jury expected on Monday.