A leisure centre company faces prosecution over the tragic death of a footballer who was electrocuted while retrieving a ball during a five-a-side match nine years ago.
The Fatal Incident
Albert Xhediku, a 34-year-old taxi driver, died on January 17, 2016 after accidentally touching a floodlight at the Mountbatten Centre in Portsmouth, Hampshire.
The Albanian national had been playing football with friends when the ball went over a fence. It was his turn to fetch the ball when the tragedy occurred.
As he returned to the pitch, Mr Xhediku accidentally touched the floodlight and its lamppost, receiving a fatal electric shock that caused him to scream and suffer a seizure.
Rescue Attempts and Aftermath
Despite immediate resuscitation efforts by his friends, who also suffered electric shocks while pulling him down from the floodlight, Mr Xhediku never regained consciousness.
He was pronounced dead later that evening at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth.
An inquest into his death heard harrowing details of the incident, with coroner Lincoln Brookes describing the circumstances of the electrocution.
Legal Proceedings Begin
Now, nine years after the tragedy, Parkwood Community Leisure Ltd – the company that operated the five-a-side pitch at the time – has been charged with failing to protect the public.
The Health and Safety Executive confirmed the company will appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on December 4, 2025 at 2pm.
However, court officials note the hearing might be adjourned until January 29, 2026.
The specific charge relates to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
Family Tributes and Company Response
Mr Xhediku's family previously paid emotional tribute to him, describing him as someone who 'did everything with all his heart.'
'Even when he was just playing football with his friends, he played like it was the championships,' they said. 'He was our big brother and a loving son.'
Parkwood Community Leisure Ltd issued a statement acknowledging the 'tragic loss of Albert Xhediku's life' and stating their 'deepest thoughts remain with his family, friends and all those affected.'
The company added that due to ongoing proceedings, they are unable to comment further at this time.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about safety standards at sports and leisure facilities across the UK.
