February 16, 2026
Jack Talbot, leading Faye Rolfe, conducted the prosecution of Duncan Bayles who was convicted at trial of one count of attempted rape and eighteen further counts of indecent assault and gross indecency committed against four boys under the age of 13 in the late 1980s and 1990s. The abuse took place in two Kent care homes where Mr Bayles had been employed as a carer. Mr Bayles was also convicted of a separate set of historic rape allegations by a different jury in January 2026.
Jack and Faye conducted the sentencing hearing for all matters, during which the court imposed a very substantial custodial sentence in recognition of the gravity of the offending across both trials and the enduring impact upon the victims. The defendant received 28 years’ imprisonment, together with an additional two‑year licence period as an offender of particular concern.
Particular issues Jack and Faye had to manage in this serious and extremely sensitive case included the careful handling of live evidence given by the victims, recalling the historic abuse they had suffered at the hands of the defendant. Meticulous trial preparation required a thorough review of extensive records and previous accounts compiled over decades, covering serious historic repeat offending, and a complex sentencing exercise including for a 2nd trial handled by other counsel.
Jack and Faye were instructed by Senior Crown Prosecutor Louise Barron assisted by Megan Clague, Paralegal Officer at the CPS.
RLC Counsel:
Jack Talbot: https://redlionchambers.co.uk/barrister/jack-talbot/
News stories:
Barristers
Jack Talbot
Call: 2004