Katie Price's ex-husband Kieran Hayler found not guilty of rape

Summarised from 6 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 12:44 · Archive

Kieran Hayler, 39, has been found not guilty of raping and sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in West Sussex in 2016. At Lewes Crown Court, he was acquitted of three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to alleged incidents involving the teenager. He was also cleared of four alternative counts of sexual activity with a child, bringing the total of charges from which he was acquitted to eight.

Hayler was married to media personality Katie Price between 2012 and 2021. The couple separated in 2018 and finalised their divorce in 2021. During the trial, the nature of their relationship and its breakdown featured prominently in proceedings.

Hayler's defence centred on the argument that the allegations were fabricated. He told the court that he believed Katie Price had 'launched a campaign' against him and that the claims formed part of a 'smear campaign' following the breakdown of their marriage. When asked by prosecutor Ryan Richter whether the feud with Price was central to the case, Hayler replied that it was, insisting: 'I have not' raped the girl.

Katie Price gave evidence during the trial as a witness. The court heard that she had messaged the teenage girl around the time of the alleged incident. In the messages, Price said she had been told that Hayler and the girl had kissed and that he had 'tried it on' with her. She later asked the girl: 'Did he kiss you? I won't bring up anymore just want truth.' During cross-examination by Hayler's lawyer Arlette Piercy, Price said: 'I was so shocked... I couldn't believe it.' Price denied being 'angry and vengeful' towards her ex-husband.

The jury, comprised of four men and six women, deliberated for 14 hours and 55 minutes before returning not guilty verdicts on all counts. Upon being discharged and told he could leave the dock, Hayler appeared emotional and bent over in the courtroom.

How it is being reported

• Katie Price-s ex-husband found not guilty of rape of teenage girlHayler was emotional and bent over as he was told by the judge he could leave the dock and is discharged.Evening Standard · 22 Oct, 12:59
• Katie Price's ex-husband found not guilty of raping teenage girlKieran Hayler alleged that the claims were ‘a smear campaign’ orchestrated by his exThe Independent · 22 Oct, 12:32
• Katie Price’s ex-husband Kieran Hayler found not guilty of raping 13-year-old girlKieran Hayler has been acquitted of eight counts (Picture: PA) Kieran Hayler has been acquitted of raping and sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl when he was married to Katie Price . The 39-year-old was found not guilty of three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault of the teenager in…Metro · 22 Oct, 12:26
• Katie Price's ex not guilty of raping girl, 13Kieran Hayler had denied rape, sexual assault and sexual activity with a child at his trial.BBC News · 22 Oct, 12:22
• Katie Price's ex-husband Kieran Hayler found not guilty of rape and sexual assault against child, 13Katie Price's ex-husband Kieran Hayler, 39, had been accused of three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl in West Sussex in 2016The Mirror · 22 Oct, 12:20
• Katie Price's ex-husband Kieran Hayler is found not guilty of raping 13-year-old girlHayler, 39, has been cleared of sexually assaulting and raping a 13-year-old schoolgirl in West Sussex in 2016.Daily Mail · 22 Oct, 12:19

In this story: Kieran Hayler · Katie Price · West Sussex · Lewes Crown Court

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