The trial of a man accused of murdering Detective Garda Colm Horkan during the course of his duties in Castlerea, Co Roscommon is due to open today.
Earlier this week, Stephen Silver, of Aughavard, Foxford, Co Mayo, pleaded NOT guilty to his murder, but guilty of manslaughter by diminished responsibility.
Before the jury selection process began on Monday, the jury panel was told they shouldn’t hear this trial if any of their immediate family were members of An Garda Síochána. When the murder charge was put to Stephen Silver, the 46yo mechanic pleaded not guilty before adding, guilty to manslaughter for reason of diminished responsibility.
The jury was told no more and the case was then adjourned until this afternoon when the prosecuting barrister is expected to make an opening address setting out the allegation against Mr Silver and what he’s alleged to have done to Detective Horkan during the course of his duties on the 17th of June 2020. The trial is expected to last up to seven weeks.
