British Athletes Convicted in Connection with Coach’s Sex Assault of Minor in Morocco
BBC Homepage | Skip to content | Accessibility Help
Your account
Home
News
Sport
Earth
Reel
Worklife
Travel
Culture
Future
Music
TV
Weather
Sounds
More menu
More menu
Search BBC
British Athletes Convicted in Connection with Coach’s Sex Assault of Minor in Morocco
BBC Sport reports on a significant development in a case involving sexual assault of a minor by a sprinting coach.
Convictions Revealed
Three former British athletes, including 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Leon Baptiste, were convicted in Morocco for their involvement in an incident related to the sexual assault of a minor. This revelation comes after initial media reports on Baptiste’s disappearance and subsequent BBC Sport investigation.
Court Rulings Provide New Details
Court documents seen by BBC Sport reveal that two-time Commonwealth silver medallist Will Sharman, his brother Richard Sharman (a former bobsled athlete), Lamin Deen (another former bobsled competitor), Ashley O’Leary Jones, and David Tuck were also convicted of participating in the enticement of a minor.
Statements from the Convicted Individuals
Through their lawyers, the group expressed shock and distress over their unexpected convictions. They deny any unlawful or improper conduct, stating they believed they had fulfilled all requirements after paying an administrative fine.
Background of the Case
Police in Morocco investigated a villa in Tamensourt after a girl reported being brought there, promised money for sex with Baptiste, and subsequently assaulted by a housekeeper who accused her of stealing a watch.
Baptiste was initially convicted of sexual assault on a minor and received a 10-month prison sentence, reduced to eight months on appeal. Court records indicate the girl was 16 at the time, suffering psychological trauma and physical injuries.
The five men were given suspended four-month sentences and fined 500 dirhams (£40) each in June for participating in the enticement of a minor, while they were acquitted of inciting a minor to prostitution.
