Kieran Hayler Faces Trial Over Alleged Rapes of 13-Year-Old Girl
Key Takeaways
- Kieran Hayler pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault against a 13-year-old girl in 2016.
- The complainant testified at Lewes Crown Court that Hayler told her to take the abuse 'to the grave'.
- The defence argues the claims were fabricated, with Katie Price expected to be called as a witness.
Kieran Hayler, the ex-husband of British television personality Katie Price, is on trial at Lewes Crown Court accused of raping a 13-year-old girl. The complainant, now aged 23, told the court that Hayler sent her a text message reading 'I love you goodnight' after allegedly raping her for a third time in West Sussex in 2016. Hayler faces three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, all of which he has pleaded not guilty to.
During testimony on Tuesday, the complainant described being left in tears and stated that Hayler later called her warning that their interactions were a secret she had to 'take to the grave.' Under cross-examination by defence counsel Arlette Piercy, the woman was questioned over gaps in her recollection of the events. Piercy asked whether she had fabricated the claims, to which the woman responded, 'No. I was 13,' before briefly excusing herself from the courtroom due to distress.
The alleged offences occurred between June 1 and October 13, 2016. The complainant initially contacted the NSPCC charity in 2021, prompting Sussex Police to launch an investigation. Police interviewed Hayler in January 2022, during which he denied that any sexual contact took place. The court heard that Hayler contends the allegations were fabricated as part of a campaign orchestrated against him following the breakdown of his marriage to Price, whom he was married to from 2013 to 2021.
The trial continues under Judge Mark Van Der Zwart, with Price expected to be called as a witness. Sussex Police confirmed that the complainant continues to receive support from specially trained officers as legal proceedings move forward against Hayler, who maintains his complete innocence regarding all charges.
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