UK Athletics and ex-senior official charged after Paralympian died

UK Athletics and a former senior official have been charged with manslaughter after Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei was crushed to death in 2017.

The United Arab Emirates athlete, who competed in the javelin and shot put at Rio 2016, was pronounced dead at the scene when a metal throwing cage fell on him while training at the Newham Leisure Centre in London.

Hayayei, a 36-year-old father of five, had been preparing for the World Para Athletics Championships at the London Stadium, which began three days after the tragic incident in July 2017.

Following a lengthy Metropolitan Police investigation, the Crown Prosecution Service have now charged UK Athletics with corporate manslaughter and Keith Davies, the head of sport for the World Para Athletics Championships, with gross negligence manslaughter. 

The governing body and Davies, 77, are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on January 31.

Penalties for corporate manslaughter include an unlimited fine, while gross negligence manslaughter can result in a prison sentence.

'Following a review of the evidence provided by the Metropolitan Police Service, the Crown Prosecution Service has authorised criminal charges against UK Athletics Limited and a 77-year-old man following the death of United Arab Emirates Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei,' said Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division.

'Mr Hayayei, 36, died after a metal throwing cage fell on him while he was training for the shot put at Newham Leisure Centre in London on 11 July, 2017.

'UK Athletics Ltd has been charged with corporate manslaughter and a Health and Safety at Work Act offence.

'Keith Davies has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter and a Health and Safety at Work Act offence.

'The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active and both UK Athletics Ltd and Mr Davies have the right to a fair trial.

'It is extremely important that there be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.'

Hayayei, who competed in the F34 class, finished sixth in the javelin and seventh in the shot put at the 2016 Paralympics. At the 2015 World Championships in Doha, Qatar, he came fifth in the discus and eighth in the shot put.

Following his death in July 2017, a moment of silence was held in Hayayei's honour during the opening ceremony for the World Championships.

Speaking at the time, Ed Warner, co-chair of London 2017, said: 'This is a devastating event and everyone within the London 2017 organising committee is shocked and saddened.

'Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Abdullah's family and team-mates at what is undoubtedly a very difficult time for them.

'We will be working closely with all the competitors and teams over the days ahead to offer support wherever it is needed.'

UK Athletics declined to comment due to the upcoming proceedings.