Stephen Silver charged in connection with killing of Garda Colm Horkan

Stephen Silver has been formally charged in relation to the fatal shooting of Detective Garda Colm Horkan.

Stephen Silver.

Stephen Silver has been formally charged with Detective Garda Colm Horkan’s murder.

The mechanic appeared before a special sitting of Castlerea District Court at 10:30pm this evening.

The court heard the 44-year-old made no reply when charged.

Before he was remanded in custody, he addressed the court, shaking his head repeatedly, and said: “Unreal.

“Absolutely unreal.

“I had no firearm on me.”

Detective Garda Horkan died after he was shot just before midnight last Wednesday.

BREAKING - Accused Stephen Silver arrives at court charged over murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan. pic.twitter.com/3ek3P4V5nI

— Paul Healy (@Healyhack) June 19, 2020

He was responding to a call about an incident on the Main Street in Castlerea, Co Roscommon.

The 49-year-old had only recently been stationed in the town and transferred to the detective unit.

Before the move, he had been based at the garda station in Ballaghaderreen.

Earlier today the town stood in silent tribute as his remains were brought through the town on route to Charlestown.

The cortege, flanked by a number of Gardai on motorcycles, stopped for a couple of moments outside the garda station before moving through the town.

The streets were lined with people who clapped as the hearse made its way to the Charlestown road.

Gardai who were stationed with him formed a guard of honour for the Garda who has been described “as an absolute gentleman”.

The Mayo man will be buried on Sunday in his native Charlestown after a State funeral in the town at 11.30am.