Courts / Dublin / Report
Woman accused of assisting suicide of friend was left 30% of residue of estate in will, trial hears
Summary
During the trial of Gail O'Rorke, a 43‑year‑old taxi driver, the court heard that she was named as a major beneficiary in the will of her friend, Bernadette Forde, who died by suicide in June 2011. Forde, aged 51, left 30 % of the residue of her estate to O'Rorke, a non‑family member, after she had instructed solicitor Maurice O'Callaghan that she wanted to do so because "Gail makes her life better." O'Rorke pleaded not guilty to aiding and abetting Forde's suicide, claiming she did not procure or administer the toxic substance, arrange travel to Zurich, or make funeral arrangements. O'Callaghan testified that he met Forde in February 2011, confirmed her mental capacity and that she had no undue influence from O'Rorke. The court heard that Forde had multiple sclerosis and that O'Rorke had helped her with personal care after a severe car crash in 2008.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman accused of assisting suicide of friend was left 30% of residue of estate in will, trial 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: charge_or_pretrial
When:
- June 2011 Other
- April 20, 2011 Other
- June 6, 2011 Other
- March 10 Other
- June 4 Other
- February 2011 Other
- 2015-04-22 Publication
Why: She said she was doing this because "Gail makes her life better", he said. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: 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 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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