Deceased 'made up her mind to end her life, her way,' court hears
The trial of a woman accused of assisting the suicide of her friend Bernadette Forde, has heard the deceased had "made up her mind to end her life, her way".
Gail O'Rorke from Kilclare Gardens, Tallaght denies helping the 51-year-old multiple sclerosis sufferer to die by procuring and administering a toxic substance.
Bernadette Forde was described by her nephew in court as a "very strong, determined woman".
Bernard Forde Monaghan gave evidence that she told him after another of his aunts died from cancer in 2010 that she wanted to go on her own terms.
He said he subsequently got a phone call from her friend and carer Gail O'Rorke asking would he accompany them to Dignitas in Switzerland.
He told the trial he had no problem with that, but the plan never came to fruition because the travel agent contacted gardaí and they were stopped from going.
The court has heard Bernadette Forde died from an overdose of the drug pentobarbital at her Dublin 4 apartment on June 6, 2011. Gail O'Rorke denies assisting her suicide.
