English Coach Jailed in Morocco for Sexually Assaulting a Minor
Listen to the story
Leon Baptiste, an English athletics coach, has been jailed in Morocco for sexually assaulting a minor.
Baptiste had previously been reported missing before the case became public. Details about the circumstances of his disappearance have not been fully explained.
A Moroccan court found Baptiste guilty of sexual assault against a young person under the legal age. In many countries, a person under 18 is legally called a minor.
The judge gave Baptiste a sentence of 10 months in prison. This means he will spend that time in a Moroccan jail.
Baptiste worked as a coach in athletics, the group of sports that includes running, jumping and throwing events.
News of the conviction has drawn attention because of Baptiste's role in the sport. Athletics organisations have not yet released a detailed statement.
Sexual assault cases involving minors are treated very seriously under Moroccan law, and courts can hand down prison sentences to those found guilty.
It is not yet clear whether Baptiste will appeal against the sentence or what will happen once he has served his time.
The case highlights the legal risks faced by people working abroad if they break the law of the host country.
Vocabulary10 words
- coach
- a person who trains sports players
- missing
- reported as not able to be found
- court
- a place where judges decide legal cases
- sexual assault
- a serious illegal sexual act against someone
- minor
- a young person who is not yet a legal adult
- sentence
- a punishment given by a court
- athletics
- sports such as running, jumping and throwing
- conviction
- a court decision that someone is guilty
- appeal
- to ask a higher court to change a decision
- served
- completed a period of punishment
Quiz
Answer key
1. Athletics coach 2. Sexually assaulting a minor 3. 10 months
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Leon Baptiste, an English athletics _____, has been jailed in Morocco for sexually assaulting a minor.
Baptiste had previously been reported _____ before the case became public.
A Moroccan _____ found Baptiste guilty of sexual assault against a young person under the legal age.
In many countries, a person under 18 is legally called a _____.
The judge gave Baptiste a _____ of 10 months in prison.
Baptiste worked as a coach in _____, the group of sports that includes running, jumping and throwing events.
News of the _____ has drawn attention because of Baptiste's role in the sport.
It is not yet clear whether Baptiste will _____ against the sentence.
The case highlights the legal risks faced by people working abroad if they break the law of the host country.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think this case has attracted public attention?
- What responsibilities do coaches have towards the young people they train?
- How do legal systems in different countries handle crimes against minors?
- What should sports organisations do when a coach is convicted of a serious crime?
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