UK Athletics fined £350,000 over death of Paralympian

UK Athletics has been fined £350,000 and ordered to pay £44,000 in costs after being found responsible for the death of Paralympic shot-putter Abdullah Hayayei. The athlete died in 2017 when a throwing cage collapsed during training in east London.

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tragic, untimely and wholly avoidable

The sentencing at the Old Bailey followed UK Athletics’ guilty plea to corporate manslaughter. Judge Richard Marks KC described the circumstances as “tragic, untimely and wholly avoidable,” stating the fatal collapse was an accident that was “waiting to happen.” Investigators found that key base plates were missing when the metal throwing cage was assembled, and safety restraints were not properly used despite repeated instances of the equipment being deployed at events.

Hayayei, a 36-year-old wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, died from head injuries after being struck by a heavy metal bar. He had previously represented the United Arab Emirates Paralympic team at the Rio Paralympics. Former UK Athletics head of sport Keith Davies received a 175-hour community service order for admitting health and safety law breaches.

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waiting to happen

Prosecutors noted that UK Athletics initially attempted to shift blame onto individuals and the venue, a stance the judge called “deeply unworthy.” While the organization's previous position was "most unattractive," current leadership has expressed sincere regret. The judge acknowledged UK Athletics' financial position, allowing six years for the fine to be paid in installments. The investigation and legal process spanned nearly a decade, uncovering repeated safety failings with the same equipment.

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deeply unworthy