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Assisted suicide trial hears deceased "cried with relief" when toxic pills arrived by courier
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Gail O'Rorke, 43, pleaded not guilty to aiding and abetting the suicide of Bernadette Forde, 51, who died in June 2011 after taking pentobarbital. O'Rorke admitted that she helped Forde obtain the drug from Mexico and that a courier delivered the pills to Forde's home, where Forde allegedly cried with relief upon receiving them. She denied arranging travel to Zurich for a euthanasia clinic and denied making funeral arrangements in advance of Forde's death. O'Rorke also claimed that Mary Lundy, a friend, had contacted an exit‑international organisation and that Lundy was present when Forde took the pills. The trial, presided over by Judge Patrick McCartan, continues with a jury of twelve. The prosecution has finished presenting its evidence. The case remains at the trial stage.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Assisted suicide trial hears deceased "cried with relief" when toxic pills arrived by courier. 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 Other
- April 20, 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 6, 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 10 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 4 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 2011 Other
- Sunday June 5, 2011 Other
- 2015-04-23 Publication
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
- Kilclare Gardens
- Tallaght
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Ms Forde's house
Topics
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