The jury in Detective Garda Colm Horkan's murder trial has begun hearing evidence about the accused man's psychiatric history.
Stephen Silver, of Aughavard, Foxford, Co Mayo, denies murdering the detective but has pleaded guilty to his manslaughter, by diminished responsibility.
It is the prosecution’s case that during a struggle for Detective Colm Horkan’s gun on the 17th of June 2020, just off Main St, Castlerea, Co Roscommon, Stephen Silver repeatedly shot at the 49 year old.
At the beginning of his murder trial, the jury was told they'd hear evidence about his mental health difficulties. The prosecuting barrister told them they’d have to decide whether he was suffering a relapse when he shot the detective. The defence say he was, while the other side claims he had 'significant mental capacity' at the time.
Defence witness, Dr Brenda Wright, a forensic psychiatrist, told the jury today that his first involuntary admission to a psychiatric unit was in 1997.
She gave details of several other admissions over the years, both voluntary and against his will.
She said he was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder and referred to reports where he admitted to not taking his anti-psychotic medication.
