Kieran Hayler, the 38-year-old former husband of television personality Katie Price, has pleaded not guilty to charges of raping and sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl, in a case that has drawn widespread attention and scrutiny. Hayler appeared at Lewes Crown Court on December 17, 2025, where he formally denied three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, all relating to alleged incidents that took place in West Sussex between June 1 and October 13, 2016.
According to BBC Sussex, Hayler entered the courtroom wearing a black suit, grey tie, and a large blue overcoat, standing in the dock to confirm his name and respond to the charges. The alleged victim, whose identity is protected by law, is not a member of either Hayler’s or Katie Price’s extended families. The court heard that Hayler is accused of committing the attacks while he was married to Price, at their former countryside home in West Sussex.
The charges stem from a period when Hayler and Price were still together. The couple, who first met in 2012 and married at a luxury resort in the Bahamas in January 2013, went on to have two children before their eventual split in 2018 and divorce in 2021. Price, known to many as the former glamour model Jordan, had paid £1.35 million for the West Sussex house in 2014, according to The Mirror, before being evicted from the property last year.
Hayler’s court appearance was brief but significant. As reported by The Daily Mail, he stood in the dock wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and green tie, along with a thick black puffa jacket, and replied in a clear voice, "Not guilty," to each charge as it was read out. Judge Stephen Mooney presided over the hearing, informing Hayler, "You will be released on bail. You will have to provide a defence statement. If you fail to attend your trial there is a prospect it could be heard in your absence."
Hayler remains on conditional bail, with strict instructions not to contact the alleged victim. The court has scheduled a pre-trial review for April 23, 2026, with the full trial set to begin on October 6, 2026. The proceedings are expected to last around one week, though some sources, such as BBC Sussex, have indicated the trial could run for up to nine days.
The case has been under investigation since October 2025, when Sussex Police confirmed that Hayler, of Northchapel in West Sussex, had been charged with three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault against a 13-year-old girl. In a statement released at the time, Sussex Police said, "The offences are alleged to have occurred at an address in West Sussex between June 1 and October 13, 2016. The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has received support from specially trained officers as our enquiries continue."
Hayler, who has also worked as a personal trainer, actor, stripper, and reality television star, has maintained his innocence throughout the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings. A representative for Hayler stated in October, "Kieran Hayler strongly denies the allegations made against him in its entirety. Mr Hayler is fully engaged and has been cooperating with the police throughout the investigation and will continue to do so. He looks forward to his name being cleared believing in the judicial system to do so." This sentiment was echoed during his court appearance, where he again denied all charges.
The alleged victim, who is now 23 years old, has been supported by specially trained officers throughout the process. Authorities have emphasized that she is not related to Hayler or Price, and her identity remains confidential to protect her privacy and wellbeing. The case has prompted reminders from organizations such as Childline and the NSPCC about the support available to young people affected by sexual assault, and resources have been made available for anyone impacted by the news.
Hayler’s social media presence has also been noted in coverage of the case. With 195,000 followers on Instagram, his profile as a public figure has contributed to the heightened interest and scrutiny surrounding the proceedings. The allegations have surfaced at a time when the public and legal system are increasingly focused on issues of child protection and support for victims of sexual crimes.
Throughout his time in the public eye, Hayler’s relationship with Katie Price has been the subject of significant media attention. After their high-profile wedding in the Bahamas, the couple renewed their vows at the Rookery Manor Hotel in Somerset and enjoyed a honeymoon in the Maldives. Hayler was Price’s third husband, following her marriages to singer Peter Andre and cage fighter Alex Reid. Despite the glamorous beginnings, their relationship ultimately ended in separation and divorce, with both parties moving on to new chapters in their lives.
In the current proceedings, the legal process will continue to play out in the months ahead. The pre-trial review in April 2026 will set the stage for the trial in October, where a jury will hear evidence and determine the outcome of the charges against Hayler. Judge Mooney’s warning that the trial could proceed in Hayler’s absence if he fails to attend underscores the seriousness with which the court is treating the case.
As the trial date approaches, the case remains a focal point for both the media and the public. The allegations against a figure so closely associated with a well-known celebrity have sparked conversations about the responsibilities of public figures, the importance of due process, and the need for robust support systems for victims of sexual assault. The outcome of the trial will undoubtedly be watched closely, not only for its impact on those directly involved but also for its broader implications in the realm of celebrity, justice, and child protection.
For now, Kieran Hayler remains on conditional bail, awaiting his next court appearance. The legal process promises to be both thorough and closely monitored, with all parties involved expressing confidence in the judicial system to deliver a fair and just outcome.
