Full Breakdown
Kieran Hayler Faces Rape Trial Amid Claims of Campaign by Ex-Wife
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Trial Commences at Lewes Crown Court
Kieran Hayler, 39, appeared at Lewes Crown Court to face three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving a 13-year-old girl in West Sussex in 2016. The trial began with jurors hearing details of the alleged assaults, including the complainant’s statements that Hayler told her the encounters were “special” and later warned her not to disclose them. Hayler has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Background & Context
Hayler was married to media personality Katie Price from 2013 until their divorce was finalized on July 12, 2021. Their relationship ended in 2018, and the couple’s divorce took three years to complete. The alleged offences are said to have occurred at the family home in West Sussex while the couple were still together. In December 2021, when the victim was 18, she reported the incidents to the NSPCC, which referred the matter to police. Hayler was first interviewed by police in January 2022.
Data & Statistics
- Charges: three counts of rape, one count of sexual assault.
- Alleged timeframe: incidents took place between June and October 2016.
- Victim’s age: 13 at the time of the alleged offences; she is now 23.
- Reporting: the victim contacted the NSPCC in 2021, prompting a police investigation.
- Legal timeline: Hayler was charged in October 2025, released on bail, and the trial began in October 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
The prosecution, represented by prosecutor Ryan Richter, asserted that there is no connection between the alleged crimes and the couple’s public breakup and warned jurors not to be distracted by the “troubled background.” Court officials have noted that the victim is not a member of either Hayler’s or Price’s extended families. Police confirmed that the complainant has been supported by specially trained officers throughout the investigation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the expected duration of the trial: the Independent reports that the proceedings are expected to last “around a week,” while Metro states the trial is scheduled for nine days. No further details have been released regarding the evidence that will be presented, and the victim’s identity remains legally protected, leaving a gap in publicly available information about the case’s factual basis.
What’s Next
The trial is set to continue for approximately a week to nine days, after which a verdict will be delivered. Katie Price is expected to be called as a witness. The outcome will determine whether Hayler faces conviction on the rape and sexual-assault charges.