Gail O'Rorke denies assisting friend's suicide as trial continues

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Gail O'Rorke has pleaded not guilty to aiding and abetting the suicide of Bernadette Forde by helping her procure and administer a toxic substance. The charge concerns the period between 20 April and 6 June 2011. The proceedings were reported on 22 April 2015.

She also denies attempting to aid and abet the suicide by arranging travel to Zurich, Switzerland, between 10 March and 20 April 2011. She further denies procuring the suicide by making funeral arrangements before Ms Forde’s death, between 4 and 6 June 2011.

A statement to gardaí was read on the third day of the trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Ms O’Rorke said she sensed Ms Forde was making suicide plans but knew she could not stop her. She also said: “I’m glad she didn’t tell me as I would have refused to help.”

The court heard Ms O’Rorke stood to inherit 30 per cent of the residue of Ms Forde’s estate. Ms Forde’s solicitor Maurice O’Callaghan said the residue was divided 70-30 in favour of her niece Catriona. He said he remained “100 per cent” satisfied Ms Forde knew what she was doing and was not under any undue influence.

Travel agent Caroline Lynch said Ms O’Rorke called in March 2011 seeking information about flights, taxi transfers and suitable hotel accommodation in Zurich. Staff aware of the planned Dignitas visit contacted gardaí, who approached Ms O’Rorke as she went to collect the tickets.

Sgt Declan Sheeran said: “I can’t say that she was aware of the offence but we made her aware of it.” The report said Ms O’Rorke was fully co-operative at that meeting. The trial continued before Judge Patrick McCartan.