Courts / Monaghan / Report

Deceased's nephew had "no problem" helping her travel to Swiss euthanasia clinic, trial of woman accused of assisting suicide hears

Summary

The trial of Gail O'Rorke, accused of aiding and abetting the suicide of Bernadette Forde, is ongoing before Judge Patrick McCartan at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. O'Rorke, a 43-year-old taxi driver, has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging she helped Forde procure and administer a toxic substance between April 20 and June 6, 2011. She also denies attempting to aid suicide by arranging travel to a Swiss euthanasia clinic and procuring suicide by making funeral arrangements. Evidence heard includes testimony from Forde's nephew, Bernard Forde Monaghan, who stated he had no problem helping his aunt travel to Dignitas, believing he was assisting with logistics. The trip was interrupted when gardaí were alerted. Another witness, Catherine Campbell, testified that O'Rorke tried to dissuade Forde from ending her life. Dr Muna Sabah confirmed Forde died from a lethal concentration of pentobarbital. The trial, expected to last two weeks, continues with a jury of twelve.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Deceased's nephew had "no problem" helping her travel to Swiss euthanasia clinic, trial of woman accused of assisting suicide hears. Charges or matters: aiding and abetting the suicide of Ms Forde 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: The witness said Ms Forde had asked her to travel to Zurich with her but she refused because of a medical condition which made it inadvisable for her to fly. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report