Former Commonwealth champion Baptiste jailed in Morocco for sexual assault

British athletics coach and former Commonwealth Games gold medallist Leon Baptiste is serving an eight-month prison sentence in Morocco after being convicted of sexually assaulting a minor. The 41-year-old was arrested in Marrakech in May and is being held at Al-Oudaya prison.

Baptiste was initially given a 10-month sentence, which was cut to eight months following an appeal. Moroccan authorities confirmed that the case involved a minor, defined under Moroccan law as a person below the age of 18. They also said Baptiste is in good health and remains in contact with his surroundings, contradicting claims that he had gone missing.

His absence had unsettled the British sprint group he was coaching ahead of this summer’s major championships. Baptiste had been working with elite athletes including Olympic bronze medallist Charlie Dobson and Paralympic silver medallist Zac Shaw, while also serving as a consultant to UK Athletics.

Contact with the training group stopped abruptly more than three months ago. In May, Baptiste sent a short message saying he would be away from coaching for some time, without explaining why. A later email sent in his name announced his resignation and referred to health problems, but did not disclose his imprisonment.

Baptiste had travelled to Marrakech with three other former British athletes, who have since returned to the United Kingdom. His family is aware of the situation. The UK Foreign Office said it is assisting a British national detained in Morocco and is communicating with the authorities.

The disruption came during an important preparation period for the Commonwealth Games and European Championships. Four-time European champion Adam Gemili and relay coach Martyn Rooney took over support duties for the affected sprinters after Baptiste’s departure, while UK Athletics has been approached for a response.