Katie Price Testifies in Ex-Husband Kieran Hayler's Rape Trial

Katie Price has arrived at Lewes Crown Court to give evidence in the trial of her ex-husband, Kieran Hayler, who faces accusations of raping a 13-year-old girl. Price, 48, is expected to testify from the witness box on Monday afternoon.

Hayler, 39, denies all charges, which include raping the girl, now 23, on three occasions and sexually assaulting her in 2016. The jury previously heard that Hayler believes he is being set up by his former wife.

The investigation began in 2021 when the complainant contacted the NSPCC, which then referred the case to the police. Hayler was first interviewed in January 2022, where he denied the allegations and stated that no sexual activity occurred.

During the trial, the complainant testified that Hayler texted her after the third alleged rape, saying, "I love you goodnight," to which she replied, "I love you too." The defense has suggested that Ms. Price may have fabricated the allegations as part of a campaign against Hayler following their marriage breakdown.

Allegations and Defense

The alleged victim's mother told jurors that her daughter was drawn to the way Hayler spoke to her, relaying that her daughter said he told her he had no friends and that she could be his best friend. When questioned about the delay in reporting the allegations, the mother stated she had to keep her daughter's trust and that she couldn't inform her husband due to potential consequences. She denied being influenced by Katie Price to testify and asserted that her daughter was not interested in celebrity.

Text messages between Ms. Price and the girl were presented to the jury, with Ms. Price offering to make her a "little star." The defense questioned the mother about her awareness of these messages, and she maintained that her daughter was not interested in becoming famous. The mother confirmed to the defense that she did believe her daughter and took action.

Sussex Police confirmed in a previous statement that Hayler was charged with three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The alleged offenses occurred between June 1 and October 13, 2016, at an address in West Sussex. The girl, whose identity is protected by law, has received support from trained officers.

A representative for Hayler previously stated that he strongly denies all allegations and is cooperating with the police investigation, expressing confidence in the judicial system to clear his name. The alleged victim is not related to either Hayler or Price.

The trial at Lewes Crown Court is ongoing.