Former Commonwealth Games gold medalist Leon Baptiste has been found in a Moroccan prison, where he is serving a 10-month sentence for sexual abuse of a minor, according to a report by the Daily Mail.
The 41-year-old former sprinter, who worked as a sprint consultant for UK Athletics and coached track athletes ahead of the Commonwealth Games, had disappeared two months ago after stepping down from his post.
Baptiste is a former competitive runner who won gold for England at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. UK Athletics is the official governing body for track and field sports in the United Kingdom, overseeing national squad selections and coaching support for international competitions.
In May of this year, Baptiste informed the athletes under his guidance that he would be away for some time. Shortly afterward, he sent a brief resignation letter citing health reasons and ceased all communication with colleagues and athletes.
Local law enforcement authorities in Morocco arrested Baptiste in Marrakech in May. A local court subsequently convicted him, and he was incarcerated at Al Oudaya prison to serve his custodial sentence.
Moroccan Prosecutors Confirm Detention
Representatives from the Moroccan prosecutor's office confirmed that a British citizen is serving a sentence in a local prison following a court conviction. Officials stated that no illegal actions had occurred regarding his detention, that he had not vanished, and that he remains in good health.
Marrakech is a major economic and cultural center in western Morocco. Al Oudaya prison is a regional correctional facility located near the city, where individuals convicted under Moroccan jurisdiction serve their sentences.
UK Athletics was completely unaware of Baptiste's arrest or his location during his absence. His sudden departure left several prominent British sprinters without a coach, including Olympic bronze medalist Charlie Dobson and Paralympic sprinter Zak Shaw.
Dobson won an Olympic bronze medal in the men's 4x400-meter relay for Great Britain, while Shaw competes for the nation in international parasport events. Other professional track coaches have since offered training support to the affected athletes.
UK Foreign Office Consular Assistance
Official representatives from the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated that officials are providing consular assistance to the detained British citizen. Foreign Office staff confirmed they remain in direct contact with local authorities in Morocco regarding the matter.
