UK Athletics and a 77-year-old man pleaded not guilty to manslaughter charges in connection to Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei’s death in 2017. Hayayei was killed by a metal pole during training at Newham Leisure Centre as he prepared for the World Para Athletics Championships. The trial is slated for October 2026.
UK Athletics and a 77-year-old individual have both entered not guilty pleas concerning the manslaughter charge over the tragic death of Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei. The incident occurred on July 11, 2017, when Mr. Hayayei, aged 36 and representing the United Arab Emirates, sustained a fatal injury after being struck by a metal pole at the Newham Leisure Centre in east London while engaging in training.
At the time, Mr. Hayayei was preparing for the World Para Athletics Championships in London, competing in the F34 class for discus, javelin, and shot put, when a portion of a throwing cage collapsed onto him. During a recent appearance at the Old Bailey, Keith Davies, who served as the head of sport for the 2017 World Paralympic Athletics Championships, pleaded not guilty to charges of gross negligence manslaughter and a health and safety offense.
UK Athletics Limited, the governing body overseeing athletics in the UK, has also pleaded not guilty to corporate manslaughter and health and safety charges. Simon Antrobus KC represented UK Athletics Limited during this judicial process, entering the pleas on behalf of the organization. The court has scheduled an eight-week trial to commence on October 12, 2026, following a case management hearing set for December 12, 2025. In the interim, Mr. Davies was released on unconditional bail.
In summary, UK Athletics and Keith Davies have pleaded not guilty to manslaughter related to the death of Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei, who tragically died in 2017 during training. The case highlights significant allegations of gross negligence and safety offenses. The legal proceedings are set to continue with a trial scheduled for 2026 and a management hearing in late 2025.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
