Kieran Hayler, Katie Price's ex-husband, acquitted of raping a 13-year-old girl
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The gist
Kieran Hayler, Katie Price's ex-husband, was found not guilty of raping a 13-year-old girl in 2016.
The judge criticised Price's testimony, calling her a "dangerous witness" with a personal agenda.
Background
Kieran Hayler, 39, is the ex-husband of Katie Price, a British media personality and former glamour model who gave evidence at his trial. The couple married in 2012, separated in 2018 and divorced in 2021. Hayler denied the allegations, saying they were fabricated and formed part of a campaign by Price after their marriage broke down. The case drew attention because Price's own time in the witness box became a focus of the proceedings.
How it unfolded
- 2016The alleged incidents involving a 13-year-old girl took place in West Sussex.
- Oct 13, 2026Katie Price gave evidence at Lewes Crown Court in Hayler's trial.
- Oct 19, 2026Prosecutor Ryan Richter told jurors in his closing speech to cut through the "big egos" and "big personalities" in the case.
- Oct 22, 2026Hayler was found not guilty of three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, and cleared of four alternative counts of sexual activity with a child.
- Oct 22, 2026The jury of four men and six women returned the verdicts after 14 hours and 55 minutes of deliberation.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Judge Mark van der Zwart described Price as "what barristers of a previous generation would have called a dangerous witness", saying she had a personal agenda and was liable to say something prejudicial given half a chance.
- Party
- Hayler's barrister Arlette Piercy argued parts of Price's testimony caused an "overwhelming tsunami of prejudice" and amounted to a "premeditated attempt to bring down this trial".
- Party
- Hayler thanked the jury and his family "who have stood by me for five years of absolute hell", saying he wanted to be left in peace to rebuild his life.
- Party
- Price denied being "angry and vengeful" towards her ex-husband and said she was "shocked" at the allegations.
Still unverified
The Sun reported that Price ended her marriage to Lee Andrews after checking his crypto wallet and finding just £2.22 ($4) in a portfolio he had said held £37 million ($70 million); other reports said she was seen with her wedding ring back on, prompting reconciliation reports, and sources said she was worried he would come after her money.