Courts / Roscommon / Report

Gda Colm Horkan "was trying to shoot me", murder accused told gardai

Date
2022-10-19

Stage
Trial

Court
Mr Silver. The Central Criminal Court

Primary locality
Castlerea

Summary

Stephen Silver, a 46-year-old motorbike mechanic from Aughavain, Foxford, County Mayo, appeared before the Central Criminal Court where a video recording of his first garda interview was presented. Mr Silver denies murdering Detective Garda Colm Horkan in June 2020 by shooting him. During his interview at Castlerea Garda Station, Mr Silver told gardaí that Detective Garda Horkan initiated a struggle after approaching him on Patrick Street in Castlerea, and that during the confrontation, Detective Garda Horkan attempted to draw his firearm. Mr Silver claimed he acted in self-defence when the gun discharged during their struggle. He has pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility but maintains his not guilty plea to murder. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul McDermott with a jury of twelve, continues before the Central Criminal Court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Gda Colm Horkan "was trying to shoot me", murder accused told gardai. Charges or matters: the murder of Det Garda Horkan knowing or being reckless as to whether he was a member of An Garda Siochana acting in accordance with his duty; manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, at Castlerea, Co. Procedural stage: trial

When:

17 June 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
2022-10-19 Publication

Why: The court today heard that Mr Silver said he asked Det Gda Horkan to step back because of the two-metre rule around Covid, but Det Gda Horkan did not do so. CNI source report

Case subjects

Stephen Silver

Defendant

Charges: the murder of Det Garda Horkan knowing or being reckless as to whether he was a member of An Garda Siochana acting in accordance with his duty; manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, at Castlerea, Co (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty