More British athletes convicted in connection with Baptiste case

Three British former athletes, Leon Baptiste, Will Sharman, Richard Sharman, Lamin Deen, Ashley O Leary Jones, and David Tuck, have been convicted in Morocco in connection with the sexual assault of a minor by their shared coach, Baptiste. The convictions resulted in their imprisonment, with Baptiste receiving a 10-month sentence reduced to eight months on appeal. The group was reportedly unaware of their convictions when they left Morocco and were shocked upon learning of them from BBC Sport.

The allegations involve the enticement of a minor, with court documents referring to the victim as a 16-year-old girl. The girl claimed she was brought to the group's villa, not paid the promised money, and was subsequently sexually assaulted by a housekeeper after accusing Baptiste of stealing a watch.

The convicted men have expressed their shock and distress over the situation, rejecting any suggestion of knowingly engaging in unlawful or improper conduct. They claim they were unaware of the girl's age and that they did not properly understand the proceedings, as the court process was not in English. Their lawyers also state that the group visited a nightclub on a recommendation and had limited interactions with Baptiste while inside.

In addition to the convicted individuals, several others were convicted in relation to the case, including the housekeeper, security guards, the nightclub manager, a waiter, and the owner of the villa rental agency. The girl was awarded civil compensation of 60,000 dirhams (£4,784) to be paid by all those convicted, plus court costs.