GARDA KILLER'S JAIL 'REMORSE'

Silver, 46, calmer after Deing moved to isolated Special unit at Mountjoy

- PAUL HEALY

GARDA killer Stephen has "expressed remorse" behind bars as he spends his time in a specialised unit. 

Silver, 46, who was last week found guilty of the capital murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan, has been housed in a separate unit in Dublin's Mountjoy Prison.

Sources say that when Silver was first admitted following the murder of Det Gda Horkan in Castlerea, Co Roscommon in June 2020, he was "erratic" and extremely difficult to deal with.

Upon entering the unit in Mountjoy, sources claim he has become calmer, and even expressed remorse for his actions.

One said: "He's been full of remorse. He's also been assessed repeatedly given his obvious problems.

"But he isn't a problem now that he's housed in the right place. He's constantly getting psychological assessment and is on a strict regime.

It is understood Silver is detained in an isolated part of Mountjoy Prison and is largely confined to his cell for up to 23 hours a day.

Prisoners detained in the unit are not allowed to mix and therefore Silver's interactions with others are extremely limited.

Sources say he is only ever let out of the cell for meals and for psychological assessment.

They added that given Silver's history, he will need constant evaluation but for the moment, authorities are happy to keep him detained where he is.

Silver is awaiting sentencing after being convicted of capital murder last Wednesday.