Five British men, including former elite athletes, have been convicted in Morocco in connection with a legal case that resulted in the imprisonment of UK Athletics coach Leon Baptiste. The individuals involved include two-time Commonwealth silver medallist Will Sharman, his brother and former bobsleigh athlete Richard Sharman, fellow bobsleigh competitor Lamin Deen, and acquaintances Ashley O’Leary Jones and David Tuck.
The legal proceedings stem from a police raid on a villa in Tamensourt, located on the outskirts of Marrakech. Authorities intervened after a 16-year-old Moroccan girl alleged she had been brought to the property and denied promised payment for sexual services involving Baptiste. Court documents state the teenager suffered significant harm, including psychological trauma, physical injury, and the violation of her human dignity.
Baptiste, a 41-year-old former 200m Commonwealth gold medallist, was convicted of the sexual assault of a minor. He was initially sentenced to 10 months in prison, which was later reduced to eight months on appeal. He is currently serving his term at Al-Oudaya prison and has resigned from his role as a consultant coach.
In June, the five other British men were each handed four-month suspended sentences and fined 500 dirhams, approximately £40. While they were acquitted of a charge related to inciting a minor to engage in prostitution, the court found them guilty of participating in the enticement of a minor. The judgment noted that the defendants were seated at the same table as the minor alongside Baptiste, with the court concluding they assisted him in deceiving and persuading her to engage in sexual relations.
The group, who had already departed Morocco before the verdict was delivered, stated through their legal representatives that they were unaware of their convictions until recently. A spokesperson for the five men remarked that they are “shocked and distressed by the circumstances in which they have unexpectedly found themselves.” They maintain they were never arrested and believed they had settled an administrative matter with a £40 fine before leaving the country.
According to their lawyers, the men visited the Montecristo nightclub in Marrakech based on a driver’s recommendation and had no reason to suspect the venue was anything other than a standard establishment. They claim they were unaware of the girl’s age, and some members of the group do not recall seeing her at all. Furthermore, they assert they were not present in court, did not understand the proceedings, and were not provided with English translations.
The Montecristo nightclub, which markets itself as a destination for hedonists, has stated it is cooperating with authorities and reaffirmed its commitment to its values. Meanwhile, the legal fallout has extended to others involved in the case. The villa’s housekeeper and two security guards received two-month suspended sentences and fines, while the nightclub manager, a waiter, and the owner of the villa rental agency were also prosecuted.
The victim was awarded 60,000 dirhams, roughly £4,784, in civil compensation to be paid collectively by those convicted. Despite inquiries regarding the safeguarding implications of the case, the UK Foreign Office, Home Office, and UK Athletics have not provided specific comments on the convictions.
Background information on the individuals involved shows diverse professional lives. O’Leary Jones is a director of a company operating five businesses, while Tuck is a military veteran whose online profile lists experience in coaching women and children. The case highlights broader issues in the region, with organizations like Humanium identifying sex tourism as a significant and thriving industry in Morocco. The report also notes that a UK Athletics coach and 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallist for England in the 200m, the prosecutions led to the imprisonment of Leon Baptiste. The report also notes that baptiste was originally reported as missing in Morocco in some media articles. The report also notes that court rulings seen by Sport shed more light on other convictions relating to the same case. The report also notes that they reject any suggestion that they knowingly engaged in unlawful or improper conduct. The report also notes that they left Morocco believing they had complied with all requirements placed upon them. The report also notes that the court found them guilty on this count and decided to convict them for these acts. The report also notes that the villa they were staying in was vast and the interaction between the men and Mr Baptiste while inside the villa was limited. The report also notes that the spokesperson continued: “What has unfolded over recent months has been a distressing and incoherent saga.
