Courts / Roscommon / Report
Accused had 'normal' breakfast conversation on day garda was killed, witness tells trial
Summary
Stephen Silver, a 46-year-old motorbike mechanic from Foxford, County Mayo, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with the capital murder of Garda Colm Horkan on 17 June 2020 at Castlerea, County Roscommon. He has pleaded not guilty to capital murder but guilty to manslaughter. Prosecution witnesses testified that Silver engaged in ordinary conversation about sport, politics and work with hotel guests on the morning of the garda's death. Forensic and pathology evidence detailed extensive gunshot injuries sustained by the deceased officer. A retired garda sergeant stated that Garda Horkan had escorted Silver to a psychiatric unit following a family incident in 2003. A superintendent confirmed Garda Horkan was temporarily appointed as a detective aid and authorised to carry a firearm in plainclothes duties. The defence has acknowledged Silver's responsibility for the shooting. The trial continues before Justice Tara Burns and a jury of twelve.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Accused had 'normal' breakfast conversation on day garda was killed, witness tells trial. 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. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- June 17, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 29, 2003 Incident
- June 2020 Other
- 2023-02-14 Publication
Why: She said he wasn't appointed officially to the role but as a result of a shortage of detectives in the district and because he was trained in firearms, Garda Horkan was appointed temporarily, subject to review, for the duration of Covid. CNI source report
Case subjects
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 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Roscommon General Hospital
Topics
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