Anti-vaccination activist not to face charges over patient’s death

Video footage showed unwell man being encouraged to leave Letterkenny hospital

It is understood the decision was based on the fact that the patient left the hospital of his own free will. File photograph: The Irish Times

An anti-vaccination activist who encouraged a severely-ill Covid-19 patient to leave hospital before his death will not face criminal charges, gardaí have confirmed.

Antonio Mureddu (44) was arrested by gardaí in Donegal in February as part of an investigation into the incident in Letterkenny hospital which occurred on September 14 last.

Video footage showed Mr Mureddu encouraging Joe McCarron (67) to leave the hospital despite the protestations of medical staff who said he was very ill and struggling to breath.

Mr McCarron, a local radio DJ from Dungloe, Co Donegal, was readmitted to hospital two days later where he died.

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Insufficient evidence

Mr Mureddu was investigated for endangerment. But the Director of Public Prosecutions found there was not enough evidence to support a criminal charge.

It is understood this decision was based on the fact that Mr McCarron left the hospital of his own free will.

"An investigation file on this matter was submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution by An Garda Síochána. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution directed no prosecution. An Garda Síochána has no further comment," said a Garda spokesman.

Conor Gallagher

Conor Gallagher

Conor Gallagher is Crime and Security Correspondent of The Irish Times