Garda murder accused's mental capacity 'significantly impaired' at time of shooting, court told

Psychiatrist gave evidence of Stephen Silver’s mental health history, which included on one occasion believing he was 'fighting mohawk Indians in his bedroom' and was 'Jesus reincarnated'

Stephen Silver has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Garda Colm Horkan but has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. File picture: PA

Stephen Silver’s mental capacity was “significantly impaired” at the time he shot dead Garda Colm Horkan with the garda’s own gun, a forensic psychiatrist has told the Central Criminal Court.

Dr Brenda Wright also told the jury in the trial of Mr Silver, 46, of Aughavard, Foxford, Co Mayo, that the accused recounted mental health difficulties he had experienced over the years, on one occasion believing he was “fighting mohawk Indians in his bedroom”.