By John Fallon
Over 350 door-to-door enquiries have been made as part of the investigation into the murder of Det. Garda Colm Horkan in Castlerea.
Further details of the extent of the murder investigation were outlined at Harristown District Court in Castlrea this morning when a defence solicitor questioned the length of time it was taking for the file to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Solicitor Martina Moran, who is representing Stephen Silver, asked for progress to be made on the matter.
Silver of Aughaward, Foxford, Co Mayo, is charged with the murder of Det. Garda Horkan in Castlerea on June 17th.
Stephen Silver of Aughaward, Foxford, Co Mayo, is charged with the murder of Det. Garda Horkan in Castlerea on June 17th
The 44-year old was due to appear before Harristown District Court by video-link from the Central Mental Hospital, where he is receiving treatment.
Ms. Moran said that the Central Mental Hospital had arranged video-link facilities but the court was told that a sick note had been received this morning and that Silver would not be appearing.
It is the seventh time Silver has been deemed unfit to appear by video link at Harristown District Court.
Sgt. Mark Mahon said that the file is with the State solicitor in Roscommon and is due to be sent to the DPP but Ms. Moran said they expected more progress would have been made at this stage.
“We were informed four weeks ago that the file was ready to be sent to the DPP and two weeks ago were informed that the file was going to be forwarded to the DPP and the file is still in Castlerea and has not gone to Dublin at all,” she said.
“I appreciate it is a large file and it takes time but we would like some progress made in DPP directions,” added Ms. Moran.
Sgt. Mahon said that it was a ‘complex’ investigation with numerous lines of enquiry.
“There are over 350 house-to-house enquiries have been carried out, approximately 70 CCTV footage exhibits had to be explored, in excess of 200 written statements compiled,” he said.
A previous court sitting heard that the investigation included over 250 exhibits and the content of ten electronic devices, while Gardai also spoke to a person in Australia as part of their enquiries.
Judge James Faughnan remanded Silver in custody to appear before Harristown District Court by video-link on October 2nd and asked that a progress report be made at the next sitting in two weeks.
