Courts / Mayo / Report

'With all that's going on with the police in this world, I shot him,' Garda murder accused said

Date
2023-01-31

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Foxford

County
Mayo

Summary

At the Central Criminal Court, Stephen Silver, aged 46, a motorbike mechanic from Foxford, County Mayo, pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Garda Colm Horkan on June 17, 2020, at Castlerea, County Roscommon. He has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The prosecution opening alleged that following an encounter on the main street in Castlerea, Mr Silver engaged in a struggle with the uniformed officer, seized his firearm, and discharged it multiple times, causing fatal injuries. The court heard that Mr Silver told gardai at the scene that the deceased had attempted to attack him. The defence intends to raise issues of bipolar disorder and diminished responsibility due to mental health difficulties. The trial, before Ms Justice Tara Burns and a jury of twelve, is expected to last six weeks. The main disputed issue concerns Mr Silver's state of mind at the time of the incident.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'With all that's going on with the police in this world, I shot him,' Garda murder accused said. Charges or matters: the capital murder of Garda Colm Horkan (49) knowing or being reckless as to whether he was a member of An Garda Siochana acting in accordance with his duty at Castlerea, Co Roscommon on June 17, 2020; manslaughter; capital murder and pointed out the Oireachtas considered gardai and prison officers were deserving of special protection when acting in the course of their duty. Procedural stage: trial

When:

June 17, 2020 Other
June 2020 Other
June 15 Other
June 17 Other
2023-01-31 Publication

Case subjects

Stephen Silver

Accused

Charges: the capital murder of Garda Colm Horkan (49) knowing or being reckless as to whether he was a member of An Garda Siochana acting in accordance with his duty at Castlerea, Co Roscommon on June 17, 2020; manslaughter; capital murder and pointed out the Oireachtas considered gardai and prison officers were deserving of special protection when acting in the course of their duty (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty