Full Breakdown
Katie Price’s ex-husband on trial for alleged 2016 rapes
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Lewes Crown Court trial
Kieran Hayler, 39, is on trial at Lewes Crown Court on three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault alleged to have occurred in West Sussex in 2016 when the complainant was 13. The accused denies all charges. The trial, expected to last about a week, includes testimony from media personality Katie Price, Hayler’s former wife.
Background & Context
Hayler and Price were married and lived in Dial Post, West Sussex, during the period of the alleged offences. Their relationship broke down in 2018 and the couple divorced in 2021. Hayler has repeatedly suggested that the allegations are part of a “campaign” launched by Price after their split. The complainant, now 23, first contacted the children’s charity NSPCC in December 2021, which referred her to police. Police interviewed her in January 2022.
Timeline
- 2016 – Alleged rapes and sexual assault of the 13-year-old girl.
- May 2017 – Text messages exchanged between Price and the girl, later read to the jury.
- December 2021 – Victim contacts NSPCC; NSPCC refers case to police.
- January 2022 – Police interview of the victim is conducted.
- 2024 (trial year) – Trial commences at Lewes Crown Court; Price scheduled to give evidence.
Data & Statistics
- Charges: three counts of rape, one count of sexual assault.
- Victim age at time of alleged offences: 13.
- Defendant’s age: 39.
Official Statements & Responses
- Kieran Hayler: Denies all allegations and claims the accusations are “created” as part of a campaign by Price following their divorce.
- Defense counsel Arlette Piercy: Described the couple’s post-marital media coverage as a “toxic media bloodbath” and questioned the meaning of Price’s “little star” comment.
- Judge Mark Van Der Zwart: Reminded jurors not to conduct independent research on Price or the case.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Defense counsel asked the victim what she meant, receiving an answer that she “just ignored it,” while the prosecution presented the text as evidence of Price’s awareness of the alleged abuse. No definitive interpretation was offered by either side.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What did she mean by it? It’s a slightly strange thing to say,” — Ms Piercy
- “Why did you twice say nothing happened?” — Ms Piercy
- “I’m saying on behalf of Mr Hayler that nothing happened,” — Ms Piercy
What’s Next
The trial is slated to continue for roughly a week, after which the jury will deliberate on the four charges. No further court dates have been announced.