Five former British athletes have been convicted in Morocco as part of an investigation into the sexual assault of a minor by a sprinting coach, Leon Baptiste. The convictions, which include two-time Commonwealth silver medallist hurdler Will Sharman, his brother Richard Sharman, and fellow former bobsleigh competitor Lamin Deen, stem from the same case that led to Baptiste's imprisonment.
Baptiste, a UK Athletics coach and 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, was previously convicted of sexual assault of a minor and sentenced to 10 months in prison, later reduced to eight months on appeal. Court documents indicate the victim was 16 years old and suffered psychological trauma, sexual exploitation, physical assault, and injury.
Convictions in Enticement Case
Will Sharman, Richard Sharman, Lamin Deen, along with acquaintances Ashley O'Leary Jones and David Tuck, were convicted in June of participating in the enticement of a minor. They received suspended sentences of four months and fines of 500 Moroccan dirhams (approximately £40) each. They were acquitted of a separate charge of inciting a minor to engage in prostitution.
The group, who were on holiday with Baptiste, stated through their lawyers that they were unaware of their convictions until contacted by BBC Sport. Their legal representatives indicated that the men were shocked and distressed, rejecting any suggestion of knowingly engaging in unlawful conduct. They believed they had complied with all requirements and paid an administrative fine, unaware the matter had resulted in criminal convictions.
Court records described the defendants as being in the company of Leon Baptiste and seated at the same table as the minor, thereby assisting in deceiving her into sexual relations. The convictions and sentences were upheld in July following an appeal hearing.
The five men's legal team maintained they visited the Montecristo nightclub based on their driver's recommendation and had no reason to believe it was not a respectable establishment. They asserted they were unaware of the girl's age and that some did not recall seeing her at the nightclub. They also stated they were not present in court, the proceedings were not in English, and the process was not explained to them.
Wider Convictions and Compensation
In addition to the five British athletes, other individuals were convicted in relation to the case. The housekeeper of the villa where the events allegedly occurred, along with two security guards, received two-month suspended prison sentences and fines of 5,000 dirhams (£396) each. The manager of the Montecristo nightclub was sentenced to two months in jail, and a waiter and the owner of the villa rental agency also faced prosecution.
The Moroccan national identified as the victim was awarded civil compensation totaling 60,000 dirhams (£4,784), to be paid jointly by all convicted parties, plus court costs.
Ashley O'Leary Jones is listed as a director of a company operating children's care homes in Greater Manchester, according to Companies House records. David Tuck's online biography indicates he is a military veteran and has coached women's and children's football clubs, including at Stoke City, Apollon Limassol, and Orlando Pride.
The UK Foreign Office, Home Office, and Department for Culture, Media, and Sport declined to comment when approached by BBC Sport regarding the convictions and potential safeguarding issues.
The incident came to light after the girl contacted police, claiming she had been brought to the villa, not paid as promised for sexual relations with Baptiste, and was assaulted by the housekeeper. Police subsequently raided the villa in Tamensourt, near Marrakech.