Producer accused of watching Brand assault handed top Channel 4 job

A television producer accused of laughing while a female co-worker was sexually assaulted by Russell Brand has reportedly been given a top job at Channel 4. The Telegraph says Jack Bayles, an associate of Brand’s, was hired as a Channel 4 commissioner eight years after allegations surfaced that he watched and laughed during the assault. During Brand’s trial, jurors heard that one complainant was assaulted while Bayles and Gareth Roy stood watching and laughing as Brand put his head in the woman’s groin. The incident occurred in 2009 while they recorded a Channel 4 project, and the broadcaster employee complained to managers afterward. In 2017 Bayles became Commissioning Editor for comedy at Channel 4. Following the report Friday, he was asked to step back from his employer while Channel 4 reviews events related to the trial. Brand was found guilty on Thursday of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.