Kieran Hayler, the ex-husband of media personality Katie Price, has been found not guilty of raping a 13-year-old girl in 2016. The verdict was delivered at Lewes Crown Court, where Hayler faced several charges including three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
In addition to being cleared of the rape and sexual assault allegations, Hayler was also acquitted on four alternative counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child. The trial centered on incidents allegedly occurring during Hayler’s marriage to Price in West Sussex.
Details of the Trial and Allegations
Hayler, 39, consistently denied the accusations throughout the trial, maintaining that the claims were fabricated. During testimony, he described a breakdown in trust in his marriage to Price by mid-2013 and admitted to affairs with three other women during their relationship.
Hayler also accused Price of launching a campaign against him following their separation in 2018 and eventual divorce in 2021, suggesting the allegations were part of this campaign. Price, however, denied being “angry and vengeful” toward her former husband when testifying.
Verdict and Court Reaction
After nearly 15 hours of jury deliberations, the panel of four men and six women returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty on all charges. Upon hearing the verdict, Hayler appeared emotional and bent over as he was formally discharged and permitted to leave the dock.
