Courts / Roscommon / Report

'With all that's going on with the police in this world, I shot him': man goes on trial accused of garda murder

Date
2022-10-07
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Castlerea
County
Roscommon

Summary

Stephen Silver, aged 46, a motorcycle mechanic from Foxford, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon, on 17 June 2020. He has pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. The Central Criminal Court heard that Detective Garda Horkan, aged 49 and with nearly 25 years' service, was fatally shot shortly before midnight after an encounter with Mr Silver on Patrick Street. Prosecution counsel outlined that Mr Silver told gardaĆ­ the garda attacked him and stated: "With all that's going on with the police in this world, I shot him." The post mortem examination revealed eleven gunshot wounds. The defence argues Mr Silver's responsibility is substantially diminished due to mental health difficulties. A psychiatrist will give evidence for both the prosecution and defence. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'With all that's going on with the police in this world, I shot him': man goes on trial accused of garda murder. Charges or matters: murder of Det Gda Horkan; manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Why: He said he was "angry about it because a garda tried to kill me. CNI source report

Case subjects

Stephen Silver

Accused

Charges: murder of Det Gda Horkan; manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: adjournment

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
Incident
Garda Station
  • and stopped at the garda station
Journey Or Route

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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