Courts / Roscommon / Report
Psychiatrist found no evidence of 'acute mental illness' in garda murder accused
Summary
A psychiatrist assessed Stephen Silver, the accused in Detective Garda Colm Horkan's murder, hours after the shooting at Castlerea Garda Station in County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. Dr Will Monteiro, a consultant psychiatrist with three decades' experience, found no evidence of acute mental illness during his evaluation. The doctor noted that Mr Silver's speech and behaviour appeared within normal limits, though he was reluctant to engage in conversation and demanded his family's presence. Dr Monteiro concluded Mr Silver was fit to be interviewed. Under cross-examination, the defence highlighted that the assessment was incomplete, as Mr Silver had refused full evaluation, and that Dr Monteiro had recommended a formal forensic assessment. Mr Silver, aged 46 and from Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. The Central Criminal Court trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Psychiatrist found no evidence of 'acute mental illness' in garda murder accused. 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
- October 2003 Other
- 2022-10-24 Publication
Why: " Under cross-examination, the witness told Roisin Lacey SC, defending, that he was unable to do a mental state evaluation because Mr Silver refused to be interviewed. Defence account reported by CNI
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
- Central Criminal Court
- with gardai at Castlerea Garda Station
- Castlerea
Topics
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