Courts / Roscommon / Report

Garda murder accused previously had symptoms on 'extreme end' of mental illness, trial hears

Summary

A forensic psychiatrist has told the Central Criminal Court that Stephen Silver, accused of murdering Garda Horkan in Castlerea, County Roscommon, in June 2020, previously experienced psychotic symptoms at the "extreme end" of bipolar affective disorder. Dr Brenda Wright, interim clinical director at the Central Mental Hospital, gave evidence that Mr Silver, aged 46, a motorbike mechanic from Foxford, County Mayo, was diagnosed with manic psychotic symptoms during a 2003 hospital admission. She outlined multiple psychiatric admissions, voluntary and involuntary, during which Mr Silver exhibited extreme agitation, made threats to staff, and refused medication. A 2006 incident saw him barricaded in his apartment with a sword wearing combat gear. Dr Wright testified that Mr Silver's mental capacity was significantly impaired at the time of the shooting. Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to capital murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial before Ms Justice Tara Burns continues, with the jury to determine his state of mind at the material time.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Garda murder accused previously had symptoms on 'extreme end' of mental illness, 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:

• September 2006 Incident
• June 17, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
• October 2003 Other
• November 6 Other
• July 2004 Other
• September 2005 Other
• March 2007 Other
• December 2006 Other
• 2023-02-28 Publication

Why: She agreed with Mr McGinn that during his first night as an inpatient, he threatened four staff members before closing a door to a staff area in order to keep hospital workers in. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report