Courts / Roscommon / Report

Garda murder accused's responsibility diminished by mental illness, psychiatrist tells trial

Summary

At the Central Criminal Court trial, consultant psychiatrist Dr Brenda Wright testified that defendant Stephen Silver, 46, suffered from bipolar affective disorder which significantly diminished his responsibility for the killing of Detective Garda Colm Horkan. Dr Wright diagnosed Silver with a severe mental illness characterized by mania, psychotic symptoms, and delusions, stating that his impairment in thinking and judgment contributed significantly to his actions. She supported the defense argument that under Section 6 of the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act, a jury should find him not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. Silver, a motorbike mechanic from Foxford, Co. Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Det Garda Horkan, alleging he was reckless as to whether the victim was acting in accordance with his duty. He has also pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility for the incident in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, on 17 June 2020. Dr Wright noted that Silver's condition was exacerbated by his repeated failure to take prescribed medication, though she disagreed with the prosecution expert who argued he had intact mental capacity. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury, with cross-examination continuing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Garda murder accused's responsibility diminished by mental illness, psychiatrist tells trial. 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 Other
• June 2020 Other
• July 2020 Other
• April 2021 Other
• 2018 and 2019 Other
• 2010 to 2018 Incident
• 2022-11-02 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report