Courts / Dublin / Report
Jury told trial is not a forum for debate on legality of assisted suicide
Summary
In a Dublin trial, 43‑year‑old taxi driver Gail O'Rorke pleaded not guilty to aiding and abetting the suicide of 51‑year‑old Bernadette Forde. O'Rorke denies helping Forde procure a toxic substance, arranging travel to Zurich, or making funeral arrangements before Forde's death. The prosecution, led by Remy Farrell SC, presented evidence that Forde, suffering from advanced primary progressive multiple sclerosis, had considered assisted suicide after a car crash and the death of her sister. Farrell alleged O'Rorke assisted with travel plans to Zurich and later helped obtain phenobarbital from Mexico, which Forde took. Witnesses, including a resident who found Forde's body and a Garda who discovered medication and a Dictaphone note, testified. The jury was instructed that the trial is not a forum for debating the legality of assisted suicide. The case is scheduled to last two weeks before Judge Patrick McCartan.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury told trial is not a forum for debate on legality of assisted suicide. Charges or matters: aiding and abetting the suicide of Bernadette Forde (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
- March 10 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 4 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2015-04-20 Publication
Why: "This is because Bernadette Forde was acutely aware that Ms O'Rorke might get into trouble for what had taken place. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: aiding and abetting the suicide of Bernadette Forde (51) by helping her to procure and administer a toxic substance between April 20, 2011 and June 6, 2011 at a location in Dublin (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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