UK Athletics and a 77-year-old man, Keith Davies, have pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter in the 2017 death of Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei, who was struck by a metal pole during training. An eight-week trial is set for October 2026, with a case management hearing scheduled for December 2025.
UK Athletics and a 77-year-old man have formally entered not guilty pleas in connection with the manslaughter of Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei. The tragic incident occurred during a training session in east London on July 11, 2017, when Hayayei was struck by a metal pole that fell from a throwing cage. The athlete, aged 36 and representing the United Arab Emirates, was preparing for the World Para Athletics Championships at the time of the accident and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Keith Davies, responsible for overseeing sports during the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships, appeared before the Old Bailey and denied charges of gross negligence manslaughter alongside a health and safety violation. Additionally, UK Athletics Limited, the governing body of athletics in the UK, also pleaded not guilty to corporate manslaughter and health and safety charges, represented by Simon Antrobus KC.
Proceedings regarding this case are scheduled to continue, with an eight-week trial set to commence on October 12, 2026. A preliminary case management hearing will convene on December 12, 2025. Following the plea, Mr. Davies has been granted unconditional bail in relation to the charges brought against him.
The not guilty pleas from UK Athletics and Keith Davies mark a significant step in the legal process following the tragic death of Abdullah Hayayei during training in 2017. The case will further unfold in court, with an anticipated trial date in 2026 and a management hearing set for 2025, as stakeholders seek justice and accountability regarding this incident.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
