Italian surgeon acquitted of involuntary homicide

An Italian surgeon accused of involuntary killing a patient has been acquitted by Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit.

The surgeon, who was previously named by MaltaToday, left Malta in 2007 and later moved to the United Kingdom.

The case dates back to September 2006, when a patient was operated upon the day after being admitted to hospital. The patient was kept at hospital for three months due to ensuing complications, however he passed away on Christmas day, of the same year. A Maltese surgeon was also involved in the medical intervention.

Following a complaint by the victim's relatives the police charged the surgeons with involuntary homicide. Following a four-year inquiry the Attorney General's office ruled there were enough grounds for the charges to be brought against two surgeons. The proceedings were heard in camera.

Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit concluded that the surgeon's intervention was not related to the fatality. The court also banned the publication of his name and other details that can help identify him.

Late last month, on 20 September, Magistrate Edwina Grima also acquitted the Maltese surgeon saying he had done all within his knowledge to safeguard the patient's life. He was neither negligent nor care less," the magistrate had said.

Inspector Kevin Farrugia prosecuted both cases, while lawyer Steve Tonna Lowell appeared for the two surgeons.