UK Athletics and a 77-year-old man have pleaded not guilty to manslaughter charges after the death of Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei in 2017. Hayayei was killed by a falling metal pole during training in east London. An eight-week trial is scheduled for October 2026.
UK Athletics and a 77-year-old individual entered not guilty pleas concerning the manslaughter of Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei. The incident occurred in July 2017, during a training session in east London, when a metal pole struck Hayayei, resulting in his immediate death.
Hayayei, 36, from the United Arab Emirates, was preparing for the World Para Athletics Championships, focusing on discus, javelin, and shot put events. The fatal injury happened at the Newham Leisure Centre when part of the throwing cage fell on him.
Keith Davies, the head of sport for the 2017 World Paralympic Athletics Championships, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter and a health and safety violation, pleading not guilty in his appearance at the Old Bailey.
UK Athletics Limited, responsible for governing athletics in the UK, also pleaded not guilty to corporate manslaughter and health and safety offences, with Simon Antrobus KC representing the organization.
The case is scheduled for an eight-week trial starting October 12, 2026, following a case management hearing on December 12, 2025, at the Old Bailey. Davies was released on unconditional bail.
UK Athletics and a 77-year-old man have pleaded not guilty to charges related to the death of Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei. The incident involved a fatal injury during training at the Newham Leisure Centre in 2017. The legal proceedings will continue with a trial set for 2026 following forthcoming hearings.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
