UK Athletics fined £350,000 for Paralympian's death

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

BBC Sport reported on Tuesday that the sentencing happened at the Old Bailey after UK Athletics pleaded guilty to corporate manslaughter for the 2017 incident. This tragedy occurred while Hayayei was preparing for the World Athletics Championships.

Judge Richard Marks KC called the situation “tragic, untimely and wholly avoidable.” He told the court the collapse was an accident that was “waiting to happen.”

The court learned that the metal throwing cage fell due to a strong gust of wind. Investigators found that key base plates were not fitted when the cage was put together. Hayayei, a 36-year-old wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, suffered head injuries after a heavy metal bar hit him.

He had previously represented the United Arab Emirates Paralympic team at the Rio Paralympics, where he competed in javelin and shot put events.

Keith Davies, former head of sport at UK Athletics, also faced consequences. He received a 175-hour community service order after admitting to failing health and safety laws related to his role in handling the equipment.

The court heard that the throwing cage was improperly assembled and safety restraints were not used correctly. This happened despite the same equipment being used repeatedly at athletics events.

Prosecutors said UK Athletics tried to shift blame onto individuals and the venue after the incident. The judge called this reaction “deeply unworthy” for a national governing body.

Judge Marks said that UK Athletics’ earlier stance during the legal process was “most unattractive,” but it has since been rejected by the current leadership. They expressed genuine regret over what happened.

The judge also considered UK Athletics’ financial situation, noting a turnover of £13.8 million and projected losses. He allowed the organization six years to pay the fine in installments.

The investigation and legal proceedings took nearly ten years. Police found evidence of ongoing safety issues with the same equipment at different events.