Psychiatrist found no evidence of 'acute mental illness' in garda murder accused

A psychiatrist assessed Stephen Silver, the accused in Detective Garda Colm Horkan's murder, hours after the shooting at Castlerea Garda Station in County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. Dr Will Monteiro, a consultant psychiatrist with three decades' experience, found no evidence of acute mental illness during his evaluation. The doctor noted that Mr Silver's speech and behaviour appeared within normal limits, though he was reluctant to engage in conversation and demanded his family's presence. Dr Monteiro concluded Mr Silver was fit to be interviewed. Under cross-examination, the defence highlighted that the assessment was incomplete, as Mr Silver had refused full evaluation, and that Dr Monteiro had recommended a formal forensic assessment. Mr Silver, aged 46 and from Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. The Central Criminal Court trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.