Kieran Hayler Told Rape Accuser She Could Be His 'Best Friend', Court Hears

Kieran Hayler, 39, told his 13-year-old rape accuser that she could be his best friend as he had no others, Lewes Crown Court heard on Friday. Hayler denies assaulting the girl, who is now 23, on three occasions in 2016 and sexually assaulting her.

The accuser's mother testified that her daughter liked the way Hayler spoke to her and that he told her she could be his best friend because he lacked companions. The mother stated she kept her daughter's confidence and did not inform her husband of the allegations due to fear of the consequences.

During the trial, text messages exchanged between Hayler and the complainant were presented. In one message, Hayler allegedly texted, "I love you goodnight," after the third alleged rape, to which she replied, "I love you too." The defence has suggested that the allegations were fabricated as part of a campaign against Hayler by his ex-wife, Katie Price.

The mother denied being influenced by Katie Price to testify and asserted that her daughter was not interested in celebrity. She stated, "My daughter wasn't interested in becoming a star." When questioned by defence counsel Arlette Piercy about her belief in the allegations, the mother affirmed, "Yes, I did. I believed my daughter."

The complainant contacted the NSPCC in 2021, which led to a police investigation. Hayler was interviewed in January 2022 and denied all allegations. His defense team has stated that Hayler believes the allegations were "created" and that he was being "set up" following the breakdown of his marriage to Price.

Katie Price, 48, is expected to be called as a witness. His Honour Judge Mark Van Der Zwart noted that Price is a media personality likely known to the jury. Hayler and Price were married between 2013 and 2021. Sussex Police previously confirmed Hayler was charged with three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, with the alleged offenses occurring in 2016. A representative for Hayler has stated that he "strongly denies the allegations made against him in their entirety" and is cooperating with the police investigation.

The alleged victim is not related to Hayler or Price's families. Hayler denies all charges. The trial at Lewes Crown Court is ongoing.