UK Athletics and a 77-year-old man pleaded not guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei, who was killed by a falling pole during training in 2017. A trial is scheduled for October 2026, with prior hearings set for December 2025.
In a legal proceeding regarding the tragic death of UAE Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei, both UK Athletics Limited and a 77-year-old individual have entered not guilty pleas to charges of manslaughter. This incident occurred during training at the Newham Leisure Centre in East London on July 11, 2017, when Hayayei was struck by a falling metal pole. He was 36 years old at the time and was actively preparing for the World Para Athletics Championships.
Abdullah Hayayei was preparing to compete in the F34 class events—discus, javelin, and shot put—when the accident occurred as part of a throwing cage collapsed onto him, resulting in fatal injuries. Keith Davies, responsible for overseeing sport at the championship, was specifically charged with gross negligence manslaughter and an additional health and safety offence at the Old Bailey.
UK Athletics Limited, the governing body for athletics in the UK, also faces charges of corporate manslaughter along with a health and safety offence, as represented by Simon Antrobus KC. The legal proceedings will extend, with an eight-week trial scheduled to commence on October 12, 2026. Furthermore, a case management hearing is set for December 12, 2025, at the same court, while Davies has been granted unconditional bail pending further developments in the case.
The legal proceedings related to the death of Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei highlight significant concerns regarding safety protocols in sports. UK Athletics Limited and Keith Davies maintain not guilty pleas amidst serious charges of manslaughter and health safety violations. The forthcoming trial and hearings will address these critical issues, aiming to bring justice to the tragic incident that claimed Hayayei’s life while he pursued athletic excellence.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
