Jurors in the trial of Kieran Hayler, the former husband of Katie Price, have been instructed to disregard what the prosecution described as "egos, posing and posturing" and focus on the evidence relevant to the charges.
Hayler faces three counts of rape and one of sexual assault stemming from allegations involving a girl who was 13 at the time. He denies all charges, asserting the allegations are part of a "smear campaign" orchestrated by Price to damage his reputation.
During closing arguments, the prosecutor urged the jury to "cut through" the "big personalities" and "big egos" in the case. The prosecutor questioned the relevance of a 2017 message from Price to the alleged victim, stating, "I will make you a little star," and asked if it was credible that Price had been waiting nine years to fulfill that promise.
"You may well put 90% of her evidence to one side, it's irrelevant, it doesn't help you," the prosecutor told the jury, emphasizing the need to concentrate on what is pertinent and seek support for assessing the complainant's testimony.
Representing Hayler, defense barrister Arlette Piercy characterized the trial as a "rollercoaster ride for everybody in this court." She advised the jury to remain calm and rational, cautioning that "emotion is enemy of reason." Piercy highlighted inconsistencies in the complainant's evidence, noting that she stated she did not know or could not remember on over 30 occasions. "We submit lack of coherent account is an important factor which supports what we are saying and undermines the credibility of the witness as a whole," Piercy stated.
The trial is ongoing.