Kieran Hayler, the former husband of media personality Katie Price, was acquitted of multiple sexual offence charges involving a 13-year-old girl, following a trial at Lewes Crown Court in East Sussex. Hayler, 39, faced three counts of rape, one charge of sexual assault, and four alternative counts of sexual activity with a child, all alleged to have occurred in West Sussex in 2016.

The jury cleared Hayler of all charges after a trial that highlighted conflicting testimony and tense exchanges between key witnesses. Hayler, visibly emotional, expressed relief outside court and thanked those who supported him throughout the five-year legal process.

Katie Price testified against her ex-husband during the proceedings. The defence accused her of fabricating allegations, a claim Price denied. Hayler and Price were married in January 2013 following a brief five-week courtship. According to Hayler, the couple's relationship deteriorated within six months, though they did not separate until 2018 and finalized their divorce in 2021. During the trial, Hayler acknowledged having extramarital affairs with three older women while married to Price.

Hayler suggested that Price was influencing the alleged victim, pointing to messages he believed showed the teenager was being coached. Michelle Pentecost, who was in a seven-year relationship with Hayler after his split from Price, told the court that Price had frequently threatened to damage Hayler's reputation by alleging he was a paedophile.

The trial was marked by controversy surrounding Price’s testimony. On the first day she gave evidence, the defence requested the jury be discharged, alleging that Price had deliberately attempted to undermine the trial. Judge Mark van der Zwart rejected this request but instructed the jury to disregard certain parts of her evidence. In his summing-up, the judge described Price as “a dangerous witness,” suggesting she had a personal agenda and was “liable to say something prejudicial.”

The case concludes a lengthy legal battle over serious allegations, with the court ultimately finding Hayler not guilty on all counts.