The jury in the trial of Stephen Silver for the murder of a Garda Detective in Roscommon 2 years ago has heard evidence from a forensic psychiatrist this morning.
Dr Brenda Wright from the Central Mental Hospital took the stand yesterday evening and continued her evidence this morning on the mental state of the accused both before and after the shooting in Castlerea.
Mr. Silver, a 46 year old Bike Mechanic from Foxford in Mayo has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Colm Horkan by reason of diminished responsibility but not guilty of murder.
Doctor Wright was called to testify yesterday by Defence SC Roisin Lacey, first giving a family and educational history of the accused.
During the course of the questioning, The forensic psychiatrist stated that she first interviewed Stephen Silver 8 weeks after the shooting on June 17th.
In her evidence she described Stephen Silver as calm and co-operative over the course their three meetings in August and September, but that he still harboured some views that the shooting was a set up against him.
According to records referenced by the mental health professional, the defendant was very agitated on admission to the Central Mental Hospital in the weeks after the shooting and was required to be kept in a secured room due to safety concerns.
Following questions from the Defense, Doctor Wright stated that Silver had been receiving medication and treatment in the two months up to her first assessment, including an injected and an oral anti psychotic, describing him as displaying a marked improvement but not being back to his normal self in September.
