The withdrawal of charges against a British man over two diving deaths at the Blue Grotto in 2014 has been described as a “victory for common sense” by the British Sub Aqua Club.
The club had lobbied against the extradition of diver Stephen Martin to Malta to face charges of involuntary homicide, and its chief executive Mary Tetley yesterday said she could not believe he had been facing the charges in the first place.
“Never in the club’s 63-year history have criminal charges like this been brought against diving members relating to a fatality or accident during a dive. It is a victory for common sense that these have now been dropped, allowing all involved to move on with their lives and grieve in peace,” she said.
She was reacting to news that Maltese authorities had dropped all charges and cancelled a European Arrest Warrant against Mr Martin. He was on a dive at the Blue Grotto with eight friends back in June 2014 when his girlfriend, Larissa Hooley, 48, and diving buddy Nigel Haines, 59, both lost their lives.
A UK inquest that same year had ruled the deaths accidental, however the Maltese authorities attributed partial responsibility to Mr Martin as the most experienced diver at the scene. The authorities accused Mr Martin of being “negligent in his responsibilities” and alleged that this had caused the deaths of the two divers.
Speaking from his UK home, Mr Martin yesterday said he was overwhelmed to hear that the charges had been dropped.
This has been an utter nightmare for me and I am just so relieved it is over
“This has been an utter nightmare for me, and I am just so relieved it is over. I feel I can finally start grieving for Larissa and Nigel. I just can’t keep back the tears,” he said.
Mr Martin said his lawyers had been advised that all the charges had been rescinded by the Maltese authorities following a visit to the Attorney General by the British diving club last week.
Mr Martin, a father of three, could barely express his gratitude to the scuba diving body.
“They’ve been extremely proactive, phoning me and keeping in touch, and that’s been a real comfort. They have really been fantastic. It’s a great example of how they look after their members, and I can’t thank them enough,” he said.
Ms Tetley added that she had asked the Maltese authorities for further clarification on their guidance for divers and in the meantime was advising divers to check the local regulations before diving in Malta.
Mr Martin’s UK lawyer Edward Jones described the charges as “bizarre”. He said that Mr Martin had been on bail in the UK since he was arrested on the European Arrest Warrant in July last year.
He was subject to a daily curfew from midnight until 7am, and made to report to police three times a week.
“I can’t believe this ordeal is finally over,” he said.