The murder trial of a detective killed in Roscommon two years ago has heard evidence from a psychologist who spoke to the accused in the hours after the shooting.
Doctor William Monteiro, a consultant psychologist based at Roscommon University Hospital attended Castlerea Garda Station at 7.45 am on June the 18th, 2020.
Over the course of two interactions, Dr Montiero assessed Stephen Silver, of Foxford, Mayo over his fitness to be interviewed.
Stephen Silver, A bike mechanic in Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of capital murder but guilty of the manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility of Detective Garda Colm Horkan.
The Roscommon based mental health expert described speaking to Stephen Silver through the hatch of his cell close to 8.45am with the accused described as lying on the floor and appearing dishevelled.
Mr. Silver refused to answer questions, then in addressing a Garda present, requested a next of kin be present.
A short time later, Dr Montiero reattended the cell and had a discussion with the defendant, who answered several questions on this
occasion.
In his report to Gardaí on the morning of June the 18th and in a more detailed report compiled later that day, The psychologist gave his opinion that Mr Silver was fit to be interviewed and that ‘he appeared to be incharge of himself’, stating that the accused’s speech, eye contact, body language and sense of reality was sufficient that he could be questioned by detectives.
During his cross examination, Defence SC, Roisin Lacey questioned the amount of time the Doctor had available to examine Mr Silver and if it were
enough to get a full picture, referencing his report that stated he had ‘limited time’ with the Foxford man.
Doctor Monteiro confirmed that a diagnosis would have taken more time and more co-operation to discern but that was not his role that
morning.
The defence also raised issues with the inclusion of further detail in the Doctor’s report, added after the initial one was sent to Gardaí.
The Roscommon based doctor confirmed the addition, reasoning that his analysis continued after the initial report and it was important to record it.
In answering the defence, Doctor William Monteiro stated that it was his analysis over the course of the two interactions that they were dealing with a ‘troubled soul’ but not some who displayed a serious mental health condition at that time.
