Courts / Roscommon / Report
Lawyer questions whether prosecution have proven Detective Garda Colm Horkan was a garda
Summary
At the Central Criminal Court, counsel for Stephen Silver, who denies murdering Detective Garda Colm Horkan, has questioned whether the prosecution has adequately proven the deceased was a member of An Garda Síochána. Roisin Lacey SC submitted to the jury that the prosecution must establish beyond reasonable doubt that Garda Horkan was acting in accordance with his duty. Ms Lacey highlighted discrepancies between the date Garda Horkan's identification card was issued and his attested date as a garda, and noted differences between identification numbers provided to the jury and those on his identity card. She acknowledged evidence from senior gardaí regarding Garda Horkan's duties and presence on the day in question but contended formal proof of his membership had not been presented. Ms Lacey also argued evidence that Mr Silver was experiencing a relapse of bipolar disorder substantially reduced his responsibility for the killing. Mr Silver, aged 46, a motorbike mechanic from Aughaward, Foxford, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Lawyer questions whether prosecution have proven Detective Garda Colm Horkan was a garda. 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
- 2022-11-09 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
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 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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