Courts / Roscommon / Report

Garda wouldn't be dead if he'd 'stayed in car', murder accused told detectives

Date
2023-02-21

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Castlerea

Summary

Stephen Silver (46), from Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court on a charge of murdering Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon, on 17 June 2020. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The jury has been directed that the central issue concerns his state of mind at the time of the shooting. Video footage from his fifth police interview, conducted on 19 June 2020, was viewed in court on Tuesday. In the footage, Mr Silver stated the garda would not be dead had he remained in his vehicle. Detective Inspector Brian Hanley put it to the accused that Garda Horkan had identified himself and announced an arrest for assault, and that Mr Silver was aware of the firearm the garda carried. Mr Silver declined to respond. Witness statements were read to the court, including one from a resident of Castlerea who heard shouting and gunshots in rapid succession.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Garda wouldn't be dead if he'd 'stayed in car', murder accused told detectives. Charges or matters: the 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 17, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
June 19, 2020 Incident
October 2003 Other
February 2000 Hearing Or Sentence
May 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
1999 and 2002 Other
2023-02-21 Publication

Case subjects

Stephen Silver

Accused

Charges: the 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