Facing trial for assisting suicide

A 42-year-old woman is to stand trial charged with assisting in the suicide of a multiple sclerosis sufferer in Dublin two years ago in what is believed to be the first case of its kind in the country.

Bernadette Forde, from Morehampton Mews, in Dublin, was in the final stages of multiple sclerosis and had been found dead at her apartment on June 6, 2011. A coroner’s inquest into the cause of her death has been adjourned.

Gail O’Rorke, from Kilcare Gardens, Tallaght, was yesterday charged under section 2 of the Criminal Law (Suicide) Act 1993. The charge states it is alleged that between Mar 10 and June 6, 2011, at a location in Dublin, she did aid and abet/counsel/procure the suicide of Ms Forde, who was aged 51.