Courts / Mayo / Report
Garda murder accused claimed detective was 'fumbling' with gun 'like an eejit'
Summary
Stephen Silver, aged 46, a motorbike mechanic from Aughavim, Foxford, County Mayo, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan. The incident occurred on 17 June 2020 in Castlerea, County Roscommon. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. During interviews conducted at Castlerea Garda Station on 18 June 2020, Mr Silver claimed he acted in self-defence after being attacked by an armed man he did not initially recognize as a garda. He contended that Detective Garda Horkan was fumbling with his firearm and that he only discharged the weapon in defence. The jury viewed DVD recordings of these interviews with detectives. Mr Silver denied shooting the detective whilst on the ground and maintained he threw the gun away after obtaining possession of it. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Garda murder accused claimed detective was 'fumbling' with gun 'like an eejit'. 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 Roscommon on 17 June 2020. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- 17 June 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 18 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2022-10-20 Publication
Why: " He said that he had been put in a cell because "one of your guys tried to shoot me" and asked, "Why are you terrorising me? CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
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 Roscommon on 17 June 2020 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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