Missing English athletics coach Leon Baptiste jailed in Morocco

Leon Baptiste, the English athletics coach and former Commonwealth Games gold medallist reported missing in Morocco, is serving an eight-month prison sentence after being convicted of sexually assaulting a minor. His original 10-month sentence was reduced on appeal.

Baptiste was arrested in Marrakech in May and is being held at Al-Oudaya prison. Moroccan authorities have rejected claims that he disappeared or lost contact without explanation, saying he was detained after a court conviction in a misdemeanour case. In Morocco, a minor is defined as anyone under 18.

Before his arrest, Baptiste worked as a consultant sprint coach for UK Athletics and was helping a group of leading British track athletes prepare for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the European Championships in Birmingham. He had previously coached at the highest level and won Commonwealth gold as an athlete.

His sudden absence caused uncertainty among the sprinters he had been supporting. In May, he sent them a short message saying he would be away from training for some time, without explaining why. Later, an email sent on his behalf announced his resignation and referred to unspecified ill health.

The coaching disruption affected athletes including Olympic bronze medallist Charlie Dobson and Paralympic silver medallist Zac Shaw. Four-time European champion Adam Gemili and relay coach Martyn Rooney provided extra support after Baptiste stopped working with the group. The athletes’ preparation was reportedly disrupted during an important phase of their careers, leaving them frustrated and short of preparation.

Baptiste had travelled to Marrakech with three other British former athletes, all of whom have since returned to the United Kingdom. His family is aware of his imprisonment. The UK Foreign Office said it is assisting a detained British national and remains in contact with Moroccan authorities.