'I'm angry because the garda tried to kill me,' garda murder accused told detectives

Stephen Silver was 'absolutely sure' he would have been killed in the struggle that ended in Garda Horkan being shot 11 times with his own gun, court heard

Stephen Silver has has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan but has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Picture: Colin Keegan/ Collins 

Stephen Silver, the motorbike mechanic charged with the capital murder of Garda Colm Horkan, told detectives that Garda Horkan went for his gun after “losing whatever struggle” ensued between the two men.

The jury in the trial of Mr Silver, 46, of Aughavard, Foxford, Co Mayo, also heard on Wednesday that the accused told gardaí he was “absolutely sure” he would have been killed in the struggle that ended in Garda Horkan being shot 11 times with his own gun.