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Leon Baptiste Sentenced to 10 Months in Morocco for Sexual Assault of a Minor

The UK is providing consular support as Moroccan courts confirmed the conviction and British sprinters have moved to interim coaching arrangements.

Overview

  • Moroccan judicial sources confirmed that Baptiste was arrested in Marrakech in May 2026, tried and given a 10‑month custodial sentence for sexually assaulting a minor.
  • Court records and officials say he is serving the sentence at Al-Oudaya prison in Marrakech and was not ‘missing’ as earlier media reports suggested.
  • The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it is supporting a British national detained in Morocco and is in contact with Moroccan authorities.
  • Baptiste sent a brief resignation email to the athletes he coached citing ill health, and UK Athletics plus senior sprinters have put interim coaching arrangements in place for key competitors.
  • The case has disrupted preparations for major summer championships and raises questions about communication and safeguarding in coaching arrangements for elite British athletes.