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Jury in trial of woman accused of assisting suicide hears recorded last words of the deceased
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, a 43‑year‑old taxi driver, Gail O'Rorke, is accused of aiding the suicide of her 51‑year‑old friend, Bernadette Forde, by helping procure and administer phenobarbital between April and June 2011. O'Rorke denies assisting the suicide, arranging travel to Zurich for Dignitas, or making funeral arrangements. The prosecution presented a recorded last‑words message from Forde, found on a Dictaphone beside her body in Donnybrook, in which she expresses frustration at being forced to act alone and her desire to end her life without implicating others. The trial, presided over by Judge Patrick McCartan, is expected to last about two weeks and involves witnesses including Forde's housing association head and a Garda who found medication and correspondence related to Dignitas. The case remains at the trial stage, with no verdict yet. Bernadette Forde pleaded not guilty. Gail O'Rorke pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury in trial of woman accused of assisting suicide hears recorded last words of the deceased. Charges or matters: aiding and abetting the suicide of Ms 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
- 16th August 1959 Other
- 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
Defendant
Charges: aiding and abetting the suicide of Ms 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
Accused
Charges: aiding and abetting the suicide of Ms 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
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Kilclare Gardens
- Tallaght
- Parnell Street
Topics
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