Courts / Roscommon / Report

Garda murder accused said deceased 'wasn't a very good' detective, trial hears

Date
2022-10-12
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Castlerea
County
Roscommon

Summary

Stephen Silver, a forty-six-year-old motorbike mechanic from Aughavale near Foxford in County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Detective Garda Colm Horkan on June 17th, 2020 in Castlerea, County Roscommon. He has pleaded guilty to manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility. At the Central Criminal Court, Sergeant Michael O'Hara testified that upon arriving at the scene, Mr Silver told him he had retrieved a firearm from an unknown man who approached him on Main Street. When informed that he had shot a detective garda, Mr Silver allegedly responded negatively about the officer's competence. GardaĆ­ at the scene described Mr Silver's demeanor and actions following his arrest. A witness living overlooking the location provided an account of the shooting itself. The trial, heard before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of twelve, continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Garda murder accused said deceased 'wasn't a very good' detective, trial hears. Charges or matters: the murder of Det Gda Horkan on June 17, 2020 at Castlerea, Co Roscommon; manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Why: He added: "I did look up because I seen him smirk. CNI source report

Case subjects

Stephen Silver

Defendant

Charges: the murder of Det Gda Horkan on June 17, 2020 at Castlerea, Co Roscommon; manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
Residence
Secondary Mention
Garda Station
  • desk in Castlerea Garda Station
  • Castlerea
  • by car to Castlerea Garda Station

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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