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'His eyes were still open but the life had gone out of them': Colm Horkan's garda colleague gives evidence at trial

Date
2023-02-08
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Foxford
County
Mayo

Summary

At the Central Criminal Court, a garda has given evidence describing the fatal shooting of his colleague Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. Stephen Silver, aged 46, from Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to capital murder but guilty to manslaughter. Garda Aidan Fallon testified that he witnessed the incident and found Garda Horkan shot eleven times with his own firearm. The court heard that Silver made comments and behaved disruptively as emergency procedures were performed. Multiple witnesses provided accounts of the struggle and subsequent gunshots on Main Street. Sergeant Michael O'Hara and other gardaĆ­ testified regarding Silver's statements and demeanour following his arrest. The defence has indicated that Silver's state of mind at the time remains the central issue in dispute. The trial before Ms Justice Tara Burns continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'His eyes were still open but the life had gone out of them': Colm Horkan's garda colleague gives evidence at trial. Charges or matters: the capital murder of Gda Horkan knowing or being reckless as to whether he was a member of An Garda Siochana acting in accordance with his duty; manslaughter. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Case subjects

Stephen Silver

Accused

Charges: the capital murder of Gda Horkan knowing or being reckless as to whether he was a member of An Garda Siochana acting in accordance with his duty; manslaughter (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Address Area
  • Main Street
Garda Station
  • in charge at Castlerea Garda Station
  • Castlerea

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

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