Court charges woman with assisting a suicide in Dublin

A 42-year-old woman is to stand trial charged with assisting the suicide of a woman in Dublin two years ago.

Gail O'Rourke of Kilclare Gardens, Tallaght, appeared before Dublin District Court following her arrest this morning on a charge of assisting the suicide of MS sufferer Bernadette Forde.

Sergeant James Byrne told the court that she replied "not guilty" when charged and cautioned at Donnybrook Garda station.

She has been served with the book of evidence and sent forward for trial to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Ms Forde was found dead in her apartment at Morehampton Mews in Donnybrook on June 6 2011.

She had been in the final stages of multiple sclerosis.

A coroner’s inquest into her death has been adjourned a number of times.

Under Irish law, a person who aids, abets, counsels or procures the suicide of another can face up to 14 years in prison.