Leon Baptiste sentenced to eight months in Morocco for child assault

British track coach Leon Baptiste has been sentenced to eight months in prison in Marrakech following a conviction for the sexual assault of a minor. The sentence was reduced from an initial ten-month term upon appeal.

The ruling has drawn significant criticism from child protection organizations, including ‘Matiqesh Waladi’. The group expressed alarm over the leniency of the punishment, stating that sexual offenses against children cause lasting physical and psychological harm. They have called for stricter penalties to ensure the judicial system prioritizes the rights of victims and deters offenders, regardless of their nationality.