Leisure firm fined after death of footballer electrocuted by floodlight

Albert Xhediku, 34, had been playing five-a-side with his friends on the all-weather pitch at Mountbatten Leisure centre on 17 January 2016. After the ball went out of play Albert climbed a fence to collect it. As he did so, he came into contact with a floodlight which delivered the fatal shock. Despite efforts by his friends to resuscitate him, later that day he was pronounced dead at the local hospital.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the incident arose from worn and faulty wiring on the floodlight which Parkwood Community Leisure Ltd had failed to properly inspect and maintain. It was also found that this failing had been present for several years and no action had been taken to repair the equipment. This was despite a previous incident being reported to the leisure centre a month before Albert’s death when an off-duty police officer suffered an electric shock from the same equipment.

HSE provides guidance on the requirement to maintain electrical systems. This guidance establishes that electrical equipment should be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, danger to any persons likely to come into contact with the equipment.

Parkwood Community Leisure Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 at a previous hearing.  At Portsmouth Magistrates’ court on 16 June 2026 the company was fined £60,000 and ordered to pay costs of £40,000.

HSE inspector Dominic Goacher said:

“This tragic incident should never have happened. What followed was a long and complex investigation.

“We found that the electrical system of the floodlight that resulted in Albert’s death had already been identified by Parkwood as being in poor condition, yet they failed to take action to remedy the faults.

“This case is a stark reminder that effective systems must be put in place to properly assess and manage the risks posed by ageing infrastructure on their sites.

“As always, our thoughts remain with Albert’s family and friends and we hope the conclusion of this case can offer them some comfort.”

Forbes Comment: It will be noted that it took over 10 years from the date of this tragic death to bring the matter to court. How complex can the investigation have been to warrant such a delay? On the surface it looks like a straightforward breach. It may of course  say something about the limitations imposed upon the HSE from above, that  results in justice delayed, which as we know is often justice denied.