Missing Coach Jailed in Morocco for Sexual Assault of a Minor

Leon Baptiste, the English athletics coach and former gold medalist, who had been reported missing by the press, is serving a prison sentence in Morocco for the sexual assault of a minor, BBC Sport has revealed.

The coach, who was preparing several elite British athletes for the Commonwealth Games and European Championships, suddenly disappeared over three months ago. Neither UK Athletics, for whom he worked as a consultant, nor the athletes he coached knew the reason for his absence.

A source from the Moroccan Ministry of Justice confirmed to BBC Sport that Baptiste was arrested in Marrakech in May, subsequently convicted, and is now serving his sentence at Al-Oudaya prison. His initial 10-month sentence was reduced to eight months upon appeal.

Reports of his disappearance surfaced over the weekend, but Moroccan authorities refuted these claims. "Regarding the news about the alleged 'disappearance of Leon Baptiste,' please note that the information published is inaccurate and does not reflect the facts of the case," an official source stated. "The foreign national in question has not lost contact with his environment nor has he been subjected to any disappearance or unexplained absence."

The same source added: "He is currently detained in Marrakech local prison, where he is serving a prison sentence following his conviction by the competent judicial authorities in a misdemeanor case." It was also noted that Baptiste, 41, is in "good health."

A spokesperson for the Moroccan Public Prosecutor's Office confirmed the sentence and the nature of the crime, stating that the British national is detained "following a judicial decision against him related to his involvement in a criminal case." In Morocco, the legal age of majority is 18.

In May, Baptiste sent a brief message to his group of athletes informing them he would be absent from training "for some time," without further explanation. On Tuesday, an email was sent on his behalf, resigning from his position, citing unspecified health issues.

The absence of Baptiste, a 2010 Commonwealth Games 200m gold medalist, left athletes like Olympic bronze medalist Charlie Dobson and Paralympic silver medalist Zac Shaw without a coach ahead of crucial competitions. The sprinters' preparation was severely impacted, leading to frustration and inadequate training.

To mitigate his abrupt departure, four-time European champion Adam Gemili and relay coach Martyn Rooney stepped in to provide assistance to the affected athletes.

The UK Foreign Office confirmed it is providing support to a British national detained in Morocco and is in contact with local authorities. Baptiste's family is also aware of his arrest. BBC Sport sources indicate that the coach traveled to Marrakech with three other former British athletes, who have since returned to the UK.