Katie Price Testifies for Second Day in Ex-Husband Kieran Hayler's Rape Trial
The media personality detailed messages exchanged with the alleged victim and confronted her ex-husband.
Katie Price arrived at Lewes Crown Court to give evidence for a second day in the trial of her ex-husband, Kieran Hayler, who faces charges of rape and sexual assault against a 13-year-old girl in 2016. Hayler denies all charges.
Price, 48, testified that she confronted Hayler after exchanging messages with the complainant, asking if he had "done stuff" with her. The model stated that she could tell the girl was "afraid" from their communications. "Definitely a kiss and that he said he loved her," Price told the court when pressed on the details of the messages. She added that she was "really shocked" by the allegations, describing them as "a different kettle of fish, it's a child."
Hayler, 39, is accused of three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He was first interviewed by police in January 2022, denying any wrongdoing. The jury previously heard that Hayler believes his ex-wife has fabricated the allegations as part of a campaign against him following their marriage breakdown.
During her testimony on Monday, Price recounted confronting Hayler at the time of the alleged incidents. When asked about his response, she stated, "I can't remember his response but his response all the time was, 'No, I hadn't'." She also mentioned that she did not speak to the complainant face-to-face about the allegations, explaining that she was experiencing a personal breakdown and undergoing treatment at The Priory.
The complainant, who was 13 in 2016, told the court last week that Hayler sent her text messages, including "I love you goodnight," after the third alleged rape, to which she replied, "I love you too." The alleged victim's mother testified that her daughter felt Hayler spoke to her kindly, saying he had no friends and she could be his best friend.
The investigation began in 2021 after the complainant contacted the NSPCC, who referred the case to the police. In messages exchanged in May 2017, read to the court, Price asked the then 14-year-old about rumors concerning Hayler, inquiring if he fancied her and had tried to kiss her. Price wrote, "I won't say anything and I promise I'll protect you. I'm only asking as this is a serious allegation to say." The girl responded, "It was just a flirt thing and he knew it was wrong. Nothing happened." Price then replied, "I won't bring up any more, just want truth. I will make you a little star."
The complainant's mother denied being influenced by Katie Price to testify, stating, "My daughter wasn't interested in becoming a star." She affirmed that she believed her daughter and took action, despite defense questions suggesting otherwise. She explained she kept her daughter's trust and could not tell her own husband due to potential consequences.
Sussex Police confirmed Hayler was charged with three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The alleged offenses occurred in West Sussex between June 1 and October 13, 2016. The complainant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has received support from specially trained officers. Hayler and Price were married from 2013 to 2021. The trial at Lewes Crown Court continues.