Courts / Dublin / Report

Woman goes on trial accused of assisted suicide

Summary

Gail O'Rorke, aged 43, of Kilclare Gardens, Tallaght, has gone on trial in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for allegedly assisting Bernadette Ford, aged 51, in suicide by helping her obtain and administer a toxic substance between 20 April and 6 June 2011 at a Dublin location. O'Rorke pleaded not guilty to charges of aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring the suicide. A jury of six men and six women was empanelled after Judge Patricia Ryan warned potential jurors to remain unbiased and to ignore media coverage and internet material. The trial, to be heard by Judge Patrick McCartan, is expected to last up to two weeks. Witnesses include Gardaí, a coroner's doctor, a travel agent, a FedEx employee and a professor. Remy Farrell SC represents the prosecution, while Dermott McGuinness SC defends Ms O'Rorke.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Woman goes on trial accused of assisted suicide. Charges or matters: aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring the suicide of Bernadette Ford (51) by helping her to procure and administer a toxic substance between April 20, 2011 and June 6, 2011 at a location in Dublin. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• April 20, 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
• June 6, 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2015-04-16 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report