Courts / Roscommon / Report
'No forgiveness': Silver to serve 40 years for murder of Garda Colm Horkan
Summary
Stephen Silver, aged 46 and a resident of Aughaward, Foxford, County Mayo, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 40 years at the Central Criminal Court following his conviction for the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan on 17 June 2020 at Castlerea, County Roscommon. Justice Tara Burns imposed the sentence, noting she had no discretion in light of the jury's guilty verdict on the capital murder charge. The court heard that Silver had initially pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. With standard remission for good behaviour, Silver will become eligible for parole consideration after 30 years, when he will be aged 74. Justice Burns emphasised the importance of mental health treatment maintenance, noting evidence that Silver had ceased medication for bipolar affective disorder prior to the shooting. Members of Garda Horkan's family delivered impact statements describing their profound loss and the ongoing trauma caused by his death.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'No forgiveness': Silver to serve 40 years for murder of Garda Colm Horkan. Charges or matters: the murder of Det Garda Horkan (49) knowing or being reckless as to whether he was a member of An Garda Siochana acting in the course of his duty; manslaughter at Castlerea, Co Roscommon on 17 June 2020, and the jury were told the main issue in the trial was Mr Silver's state of mind at the time of the shooting. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- June 2020 Other
- 17 June 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 19 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 17, 2020 Other
- Christmas Other
- 2023-04-19 Publication
Why: That's what he deserved because he was a wonderful son. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: the murder of Det Garda Horkan (49) knowing or being reckless as to whether he was a member of An Garda Siochana acting in the course of his duty; manslaughter at Castlerea, Co Roscommon on 17 June 2020, and the jury were told the main issue in the trial was Mr Silver's state of mind at the time of the shooting (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Stephen Silver (46), was today jailed for life with a minimum time to be served of 40 years by Ms Justice Tara Burns at the Central Criminal Court. She sentenced him to life imprisonment and in accordance with the Criminal Justice Act 1990, she specified that he must serve a minimum of 40 years in prison.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Croke Park
- Central Mental Hospital
Topics
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