'No evidence of acute mental illness' in garda murder accused, says psychiatrist

The trial also heard on Monday that Stephen Silver had previously met Garda Colm Horkan in 2003 when the garda called to the accused’s mother’s house to assist her.

Dr Monteiro said that Stephen Silver (pictured) obviously had a history of mental illness but added: “I felt at the time that it was within his control, so to speak, and I felt he was in a position to be interviewed.” File picture

A psychiatrist who assessed garda murder accused Stephen Silver hours after the shooting of Garda Colm Horkan found “no evidence of acute mental illness”, the Central Criminal Court has heard.

Dr Will Monteiro, a consultant psychiatrist with 30 years' experience, said Mr Silver’s speech and behaviour were within normal limits and he passed him fit to be interviewed. The doctor accepted under cross-examination that he did not have time to do a full assessment and diagnosis of Mr Silver and had recommended that a forensic psychiatrist carry out a formal assessment.