Stephen Silver, who was found guilty last month of the capital murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan in Castlerea three years ago, has been sentenced to life in prison – and will serve a minimum of 40 years.
In a packed courtroom in the Criminal Courts of Justice on Wednesday, Ms Justice Tara Burns said she had no discretion to do other than impose the maximum sentence for murder.
Members of Garda Horkan’s family were present to hear the sentencing details. In statements read to the court, Garda Horkan’s family described him as a loving and thoughtful man, while Ms Justice Burns said he had clearly been “the heart and soul” of their family.
Silver (46) from Foxford in Co. Mayo, had denied murdering Detective Horkan but admitted manslaughter. A jury unanimously found him guilty of murdering a Garda in the course of his duty.
Detective Horkan was shot a number of times with his own firearm on Main Street, Castlerea on the night of June 17th, 2020 following reports of a disturbance in the area.
