Courts / Dublin / Report

Trial of woman accused of assisting suicide hears deceased died from lethal dose of barbiturates

Date
2015-04-21

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Tallaght

County
Dublin

Summary

The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Bernadette Forde, aged 51, died from a lethal dose of the barbiturate pentobarbital, which she had ordered online from Mexico. The drug is used in capital punishment in the United States and for euthanasia where legal. Gail O'Rorke, 43, a taxi driver from Kilclare Gardens, Tallaght, is accused of assisting Forde's suicide by helping her obtain and take the drug between 20 April 2011 and 6 June 2011 at a Dublin location. O'Rorke denies aiding the suicide by arranging travel to Zurich, arranging funeral arrangements, or procuring the drug. Dr Muna Sabah testified that a lethal concentration of 53 micrograms per millilitre of pentobarbital was found in Forde's system. The trial, expected to last about two weeks, is before Judge Patrick McCartan and a jury of twelve. Bernadette Forde pleaded not guilty. Gail O'Rorke pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Trial of woman accused of assisting suicide hears deceased died from lethal dose of barbiturates. 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 Other
June 6, 2011 Other
March 10 Other
June 4 Other
2015-04-21 Publication

Why: Dr Sabah explained that the drug slows down the brain and depresses the central nervous system. CNI source report

Case subjects

Bernadette Forde

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

Gail O'Rorke

Accused

Plea: Not guilty