The jury in the trial of a man accused of murdering Detective Garda Colm Horkan in Castlerea, Co Roscommon has begun its deliberations.
Stephen Silver, of Aughaward, Foxford, Co Mayo, denies murdering the detective in June 2020, but has pleaded guilty to his manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.
The 46-year-old motorbike mechanic claims he was suffering a relapse of bipolar affective disorder when he shot Detective Horkan at main Street in Castlerea over two years.
However, the prosecution believes he had "significant functional mental capacity" at the time of the shooting. Last week Judge Paul McDermnott told the jury that three verdicts were open to them; capital murder, murder or manslaughter
Mr Silver's plea to the lesser charge wasn't accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions. The judge finished charging the jury with their instructions this morning and after seven weeks of evidence and dozens of witnesses, the jury of seven men and five women has now retired to begin its deliberations.
