'Missing' athletics coach jailed in Morocco for sexually assaulting minor

An English athletics coach, Leon Baptiste, has been serving a prison sentence in Morocco for sexually assaulting a minor, according to reports by BBC Sport. Baptiste, who was coaching a group of top British track athletes in preparation for the 2022 Commonwealth Games and European Championships, went missing over three months ago.

Baptiste, 41, suddenly stopped communicating with his athletes and the UK Athletics, where he worked as a consultant sprinting coach. He sent a message in May stating he would be absent for a while, but provided no explanation. The athletes were left without further updates.

The Moroccan Ministry of Justice confirmed to BBC Sport that Baptiste was arrested in Marrakech in May, convicted, and is currently serving a custodial sentence in Al-Oudaya prison. He was originally sentenced to 10 months, but the term was later reduced to eight months on appeal.

Baptiste's resignation letter, sent in response to his dismissal, cited unspecified ill health. UK Athletics and the sprinters he coached were unaware of his sudden disappearance and subsequent arrest.

The Moroccan Public Prosecution Office confirmed Baptiste's conviction and sentence, stating he is currently serving a custodial sentence for involvement in a criminal case. This case concerned offenses related to sexual assault of a minor.

Baptiste's absence left several British sprinters, including Olympic bronze medallist Charlie Dobson and Paralympic silver medallist Zac Shaw, without a designated coach before major international competitions. His sudden departure caused significant disruption to their training schedules.

Baptiste's family is reportedly aware of his imprisonment, and UK Foreign Office is supporting the detained British national, maintaining contact with Moroccan authorities.