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

UK Athletics has been fined £350,000 and must pay £44,000 in costs. This follows their responsibility for the death of Paralympic shot-putter Abdullah Hayayei. He was killed when a throwing cage fell during training in east London.

According to BBC Sport on Tuesday, the sentencing happened at the Old Bailey. UK Athletics had already pleaded guilty to corporate manslaughter over the 2017 incident. This happened while Hayayei was getting ready for the World Athletics Championships.

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

The court heard that the metal throwing cage fell after a strong gust of wind. Investigators found that important base plates were not installed when the cage was put together. Hayayei, who was 36 years old and used a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy, died from head injuries after being hit by a heavy metal bar.

Hayayei had represented the United Arab Emirates Paralympic team at the Rio Paralympics. He competed in both javelin and shot put events.

Keith Davies, the former head of sport at UK Athletics, was also sentenced. He received a community service order of 175 hours after admitting to breaking health and safety laws related to his duties over the equipment.

The court learned that the throwing cage was put together incorrectly. Safety restraints were not used properly, even though the same equipment had been used at athletics events before.

Prosecutors told the court that UK Athletics tried to blame individuals and the venue after the incident. This was later called “deeply unworthy” for a national governing body.

Judge Marks said that UK Athletics’ earlier approach during legal proceedings was “most unattractive.” He noted that the current leadership expressed real regret over the tragedy.

The judge also mentioned UK Athletics’ financial situation. They have a turnover of £13.8 million and are facing projected losses. He allowed the organization six years to pay the fine in instalments.

The investigation and legal process have lasted almost ten years. Police found evidence of repeated safety failures with the same equipment at different events.