Courts / Roscommon / Report
Murder accused said shot garda 'never indicated he was a detective', trial hears
Summary
Stephen Silver, aged 46 from Aughavard in Foxford, County Mayo, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court accused of the capital murder of Garda Colm Horkan on June 17th, 2020 at Castlerea, County Roscommon. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to murder while knowing or being reckless as to whether the deceased was a garda acting in the course of duty, but has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The jury's central consideration concerns the accused's state of mind at the time of the shooting. During interview footage presented to the jury on Monday, Mr Silver disputed accounts provided by witness James Coyne, describing them as "lies, absolute bullsh*t". He claimed Garda Horkan "never at any stage indicated he was a detective" and questioned why identification had not been produced. Mr Silver's behaviour during the interviews included refusing to answer questions, whistling, singing, and at one point claiming to be a captain in a cavalry reserve unit. Detective Inspector Brian Hanley testified that the accused was aggressive, angry and threatening prior to his fourth interview.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder accused said shot garda 'never indicated he was a detective', trial hears. Charges or matters: the capital murder of Garda 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 and the jury have been told the main issue in the trial is Mr Silver's state of mind at the time of the shooting. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- June 19, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 17, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 19 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2023-02-20 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the capital murder of Garda 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 and the jury have been told the main issue in the trial is Mr Silver's state of mind at the time of the shooting (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Main Street
Topics
Related court reports
- Money launderer placed in custody despite mattresses on prison floor
- Judge asks for information on allegation that garda photographed whistleblower in court
- Murder accused told doctors that release of abuser Michael Ferry caused him to 'spiral'
- Drug dealer gets suspended sentence after judge notes '61 people on mattresses in prison'
- Garda murderer claims psychiatric evidence contradicted legal test for insanity
- Judge emphasises importance of media following press exclusion from Garda whistleblower case
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request