Kieran Hayler Acquitted of Rape and Sexual Assault Charges Against 13-Year-Old Girl
Kieran Hayler, 37, has been acquitted of all charges related to the alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl. The former husband of model Katie Price stood trial at Lewes Crown Court, where he consistently denied the accusations.
The jury found Hayler not guilty of one count of rape, one count of sexual assault, and one count of engaging in sexual activity with a child. The charges concerned an alleged incident on 14th December 2022.
During the proceedings, Hayler maintained his innocence, asserting that the interaction was consensual. The complainant provided evidence via video link, alleging that Hayler had digitally penetrated her.
Hayler's defence counsel argued that the girl had instigated the encounter and that Hayler had believed her to be 16 years old at the time. Evidence presented included a text message exchange between the two, which the defence contended supported the claim of consent.
The verdict means Hayler is cleared of all three counts brought against him.
