Courts / Dublin / Report
Woman accused of assisting suicide of friend denied knowingly paying for lethal drugs, trial hears
Summary
In a 2015 trial, Gail O'Rorke, a 43‑year‑old taxi driver, pleaded not guilty to aiding and abetting the suicide of her friend Bernadette Forde, 51, who died in June 2011 by taking pentobarbital ordered online from Mexico. O'Rorke denied knowingly paying for the lethal drug, saying she had no knowledge of its purpose and that she had only transferred money for errands. She claimed she had supported Forde's decision to seek assisted suicide in Switzerland, but that Gardaí had intervened after a tip‑off. O'Rorke also denied arranging travel to Zurich or making funeral arrangements. The court heard that Forde left O'Rorke 30 % of her estate and that her solicitor confirmed she was of sound mind and not under undue influence. The case was heard by Judge Patrick McCartan with a jury of twelve.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman accused of assisting suicide of friend denied knowingly paying for lethal drugs, 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: trial
When:
- June 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 20, 2011 Other
- June 6, 2011 Other
- March 10 Other
- June 4 Other
- June 2, 2011 Other
- 2015-04-22 Publication
Why: "I supported her because it was something she wanted. 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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