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Garda murder accused describes moment he shot detective 11 times
Summary
Stephen Silver, aged 46, a motorbike mechanic from Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, has given evidence at the Central Criminal Court regarding the death of Detective Garda Colm Horkan on 17 June 2020 at Castlerea, County Roscommon. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. During his testimony, he described a struggle with the detective during which he obtained the garda's firearm and discharged it eleven times as Garda Horkan fell to the ground. Mr Silver stated he was experiencing confused thoughts and acted in self-defence, believing he faced danger. Under cross-examination, counsel highlighted that Mr Silver had been admitted to psychiatric units seventeen times since 2003 and had discontinued prescribed medication despite medical advice, preferring how he felt without treatment. The trial before Mr Justice Paul McDermott continues.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Garda murder accused describes moment he shot detective 11 times. 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:
- September 2019 Incident
- 17 June 2020 Other
- 2022-10-27 Publication
Why: He told his trial that he stopped taking his medication because he felt it slowed him down and he believed he could control his condition. 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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