Courts / Roscommon / Report

'I kept shooting until the gun finished,' accused tells trial of moment he shot garda

Date
2023-02-23

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Castlerea

Summary

Stephen Silver (46) of Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon, on 17 June 2020. At the Central Criminal Court, Mr Silver gave evidence describing how he discharged the garda's weapon repeatedly during a struggle, stating he believed the officer was an assailant attempting to harm him. He told the jury he continued firing until ammunition was exhausted. The prosecution challenged his account, suggesting he was aware Garda Horkan was a member of An Garda Síochána and arguing that his conduct that evening, including remarks made in the Knockroe estate, indicated an intention to provoke police intervention. The central issue for the jury concerns Mr Silver's state of mind at the time of the incident. Evidence regarding his mental health history, including a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, has been presented. The trial continues before Ms Justice Tara Burns and a jury of twelve.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'I kept shooting until the gun finished,' accused tells trial of moment he shot garda. Charges or matters: the 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 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
17 June Other
2023-02-23 Publication

Why: "Your eyesight couldn't be impaired that much because you managed to shoot him ten times, you didn't miss the target," said Mr Delaney. CNI source report

Case subjects

Stephen Silver

Defendant

Charges: the 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 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