UK Athletics Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter in Hayayei Case

UK Athletics has pleaded guilty to corporate manslaughter in connection with the death of Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei, who died during training at Newham Leisure Centre in London in July 2017. The plea was entered at the Old Bailey, where Keith Davi, head of sport for the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships, acknowledged the health and safety charges, having previously denied gross negligence manslaughter.

Prosecutor Karen Robinson requested the court to set a two-day sentencing hearing for early June, confirming that the prosecution would not seek a trial for outstanding charges. Davi, aged 78, was granted continued bail on the condition of liaising with probation services for a pre-sentencing report.

Hayayei, a thrower from the United Arab Emirates, competed in the F34 shot put, discus, and javelin events, finishing sixth in javelin and seventh in shot put during his Paralympic debut at Rio 2016. A moment of silence was held in his honor during the opening ceremony of the London stadium.