A man has gone on trial accused of murdering Detective Garda Colm Horkan in Co Roscommon two years ago by shooting him with his own standard-issue firearm.
Stephen Silver, a 46-year-old motorbike mechanic with an address at Aughavard, Foxford, Co Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to capital murder, but guilty to manslaughter.
The prosecuting barrister, Michael Delaney SC, opened his case by saying it will be alleged that Det Colm Horkan was shot by his own gun during a struggle with Stephen Silver near Main St, Castlerea just before midnight on June 17 2020.
Mr Delaney told the jurors one witness will say Det Horkan was in the process of arresting him for assault when the struggle ensued.
After the first shot was fired, Mr Delaney accused Mr Silver of using it to repeatedly shoot the 49-year-old, who had 25 years of service at the time of his death.
Det Horkan suffered eleven gunshot wounds to the body from various angles and distances.
Mr Delaney told the jurors they’ll hear evidence of Mr Silver going into Castlerea Garda Station earlier that day to complain of elderly people being abused by gardai.
Following his arrest, the jury was told he accused Det Horkan of attacking him before saying, “… and with all that’s going on with the police in this world, I shot him”.
The first witnesses in the case are due to be called on Monday.
