On the day he shot Detective Garda Colm Horkan, Stephen Silver was “itching for a confrontation with the guards,” a prosecuting barrister has claimed.
Mr Silver, of Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, denies murdering Detective Horkan in June 2020, but admits manslaughter by diminished responsibility.
After four weeks of evidence, the trial is now in its final stages.
In his closing address, James Dwyer SC reminded the jurors of something Mr Silver previously said in relation to his attitude towards the guards on the day of the alleged murder.
The accused said the last thing he wanted was any hassle from the guards – but Mr Dwyer claims it was clear that he was “full of rage” towards An Garda Síochána and that he was “itching for a confrontation” with them.
He said fate then intervened when his path crossed with Detective Horkan’s near Main Street in Castlerea, Co Roscommon.
Mr Dwyer said it was “abundantly clear” that he knew he was a Garda on duty and he accused him of creating works of fiction to fit in with his defence.
At the time, Mr Silver claims he was suffering a relapse of bipolar affective disorder.
