A former husband of celebrity Katie Price allegedly told a 13-year-old girl he is accused of raping to remain silent about their encounters, a court has been told. Kieran Hayler, 39, stands trial at Lewes Crown Court facing three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving the teenager in West Sussex in 2016.
The Alleged Abuse Detailed in Court
Jurors heard that Hayler allegedly manipulated the young girl by describing intimate relations as something “special” that they should share together. According to testimony, he reportedly wept during one encounter, claiming he might be taking something precious away from her.
The complainant, in a recorded police interview played to the jury, described how Hayler framed the situation as a positive experience she needed to embrace. “He started crying and saying, ‘Maybe I shouldn’t take it away from you, it’s so important,'” she recounted.
The prosecution alleges Hayler raped the teenager on multiple occasions. Following what is described as the third incident, the girl told police that she began to realise something was wrong. She stated: “I think by that point I knew it wasn’t quite right, he kept telling me to ‘shh’, I had to be secretive and not tell anyone.”
The alleged victim further claimed Hayler explicitly warned her against disclosure, telling her: “You can’t talk about it, you can’t tell anyone, I might get in trouble for this.”
Delayed Disclosure and Investigation
It took several years for the allegations to surface formally. In 2021, the complainant reached out to the NSPCC, which subsequently referred her case to Sussex Police. Hayler was interviewed by investigators in January 2022, where he reportedly denied all allegations and claimed no sexual contact had occurred.
The timing of the alleged offences coincides with Hayler’s marriage to television personality and former glamour model Katie Price. The couple wed in 2013 and separated in 2018, with their divorce finalised in 2021. Though they share no children, the case has drawn significant public attention due to Price’s high-profile status.
Hayler’s defence team has suggested that the accusations are part of a targeted campaign orchestrated by his ex-wife following the breakdown of their relationship. The court has heard that the alleged victim is not connected to either Hayler or Price through family ties.
Trial Proceedings Continue
Media coverage has intensified as the trial progresses, particularly given Price’s expected role as a witness. Legal experts note that her testimony could prove pivotal in establishing context around the timeline and circumstances of the alleged abuse.
The complainant’s journey from silence to speaking out highlights the complex psychological dynamics often present in cases involving minors. Her decision to contact the NSPCC marked the beginning of a process that led to criminal charges being filed nearly five years after the alleged incidents.
Support services have been made available to those affected by similar experiences. Childline operates a confidential helpline for young people at 0800 1111, while the NSPCC provides guidance for adults concerned about children via 0808 800 5000. The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (Napac) offers support for survivors through its dedicated helpline at 0808 801 0331.
The trial is expected to conclude within the week, though legal proceedings remain ongoing.
Why it Matters
This case underscores the critical importance of believing and supporting survivors of childhood sexual abuse, particularly when power imbalances and manipulation are involved. The alleged use of emotional coercion and threats of silence reflects tactics commonly employed by perpetrators to maintain control over vulnerable victims. As public figures become entangled in such proceedings, the spotlight also falls on the broader systemic challenges faced by survivors seeking justice years after trauma. The outcome of this trial may influence how future cases are approached both legally and socially, emphasizing the need for robust protection mechanisms and accessible support networks for those affected.
