Stephen Silver has taken the stand in his trial for the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan.
Mr Silver, of Aughavard, Foxford, Co Mayo, denies murdering Detective Horkan on the 17th of June 2020, but has pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.
In the days leading up to Detective Colm Horkan’s death near Main St in Castlerea, Co Roscommon, Stephen Silver told the jury he was staying in a hotel in Dublin with an Australian woman, but he said he decided to go home early after getting it in his head that she was an MI6 agent, who was out to get him.
He said he also thought some English guys staying in the hotel were actually SAS, masquerading as builders.
After he left the hotel on the day of the shooting, the jury was shown CCTV footage of him checking under his van for explosive devices.
He told the court he was had many episodes of psychiatric illness, which have resulted in 17 hospital admissions - some of which were involuntary.
He said he has been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder.
Mr Silver, who has pleaded NOT guilty to murder but guilty of manslaughter by diminished responsibility, is due to resume giving his evidence tomorrow.
ENDS
