CPS authorises manslaughter charges following death of Paralympic athlete
Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said: “Following a review of the evidence provided by the Metropolitan Police Service, the Crown Prosecution Service has authorised criminal charges against UK Athletics Limited and a 77-year-old man following the death of United Arab Emirates Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei.
“Mr Hayayei, 36, died after a metal throwing cage fell on him while he was training for the shot put at Newham Leisure Centre in London on 11 July, 2017.
“UK Athletics Ltd has been charged with corporate manslaughter and a Health and Safety at Work Act offence.
“Keith Davies, the former Head of Sport at UK Athletics Ltd, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter and a Health and Safety at Work Act offence.
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active and both UK Athletics Ltd and Mr Davies have the right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important that there be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Notes to editors
- UK Athletics Ltd is charged with corporate manslaughter, contrary to common law, and failing to discharge general health and safety duty to a person other than employee, contrary to sections 3 and 33(1)(a) of, and Schedule 3A to, of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
- Keith Davies, [DOB: 06/05/1947], of Leytonstone, east London, is charged with gross negligence manslaughter, contrary to common law, and failing to discharge general health and safety duty at work, contrary to sections 7 and 33(1)(a) of, and Schedule 3A to, of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
- Both UK Athletics Ltd and Mr Davies will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 31 January.