Courts / Roscommon / Report
Garda murder accused previously attacked psychiatric staff, trial hears
Summary
Stephen Silver, a 46-year-old motorbike mechanic from Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Detective Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. He has pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. The Central Criminal Court has heard evidence that Silver assaulted psychiatric staff nine months before fatally shooting the detective eleven times. Psychiatrist Dr Brenda Wright testified that Silver had been admitted to psychiatric units seventeen times since 1997, with diagnoses including bipolar affective disorder and schizoaffective disorder. She stated that Silver stopped taking medication following his release from hospital in September 2019. Dr Wright noted that by April 2021, after ten months on antipsychotic medication whilst in custody, Silver had returned to his normal state. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Garda murder accused previously attacked psychiatric staff, trial hears. 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. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- September 2019 Incident
- 17 June 2020 Other
- September 2020 Other
- April 2021 Other
- 2022-10-28 Publication
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 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Mountjoy prison
Topics
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