Understand
Kieran Hayler told alleged rape victim she could be his best friend, Lewes Crown Court hears
Overview
During the trial at Lewes Crown Court, the mother of an alleged rape victim testified that Kieran Hayler, the ex-husband of Katie Price, told the 13-year-old girl in 2016 that he lacked friends and she could be his best friend. Hayler denies three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. His defence suggested nothing happened, which the mother disputed.
Key points
- Kieran Hayler is on trial facing three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving a 13-year-old girl in West Sussex in 2016.
- Hayler denies all charges against him.
- The complainant's mother told Lewes Crown Court that Hayler told her daughter he did not have any friends and she could be his best friend.
- The complainant first reported the allegations to the NSPCC in 2021, leading to a police investigation.
- Hayler's defence lawyer argued that nothing had happened, but the mother maintained she believed her daughter.
- Hayler has claimed his ex-wife, Katie Price, launched a campaign against him when their marriage ended.