No verdict has been reached in the trial of a man accused of murdering Detective Garda Colm Horkan. 

Detective Colm Horkan died after being shot eleven times with his own standard issue firearm just off Main Street in Castlerea, County Roscommon on June 17 2020; his gun’s entire magazine was emptied and 15 spent cartridges were found at the scene.

At the outset of his trial, Stephen Silver of Foxford, County Mayo, pleaded guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility, but denied the murder charge.

One of the main issues for the jury to decide related to his mental state at the time.

A forensic psychiatrist called on behalf of the defence concluded that he was suffering a relapse of bipolar affective disorder when he shot Detective Horkan.

The expert called by the prosecution disagreed.

The jury was sent out on Tuesday to consider the evidence. This morning, they were told they could return a majority verdict, but less than two hours later, they were on their way home after telling the judge they could not reach agreement.

A date for his retrial will be set next month.

Main image: Colm Horkan.