Trial following murder of Garda may last seven weeks

A JURY sworn in for the trial of a man who denies murder but admits to the manslaughter of a detective Garda in Castlrea, Co Roscommon, in 2020 have been told the trial would last up to seven weeks.

At the Central Criminal Court on Monday Stephen Silver pleaded not guilty to the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan (49) during the course of his duties in Castlerea on June 17, 2020. When the murder charge was read by the registrar to Silver (46) of Aughavard, Foxford, Co Mayo, he replied “not guilty” but added

“guilty to manslaughter for reason of diminished responsibility”.

Mr Justice Paul McDermott told the jury panel before their selection that they should not serve as jurors if any of their immediate family were members of An Garda Síochána.

Mr Justice McDermott told the jury of seven men and five women that the case was one of murder and that trial would last up to seven weeks. He adjourned the matter to this Friday, October 7.