Katie Price’s Ex-Husband Kieran Hayler Appears in Court Accused of Raping Girl, 13

Katie Price’s ex-husband, Kieran Hayler, has appeared in court accused of raping a 13-year-old girl, following a police investigation into historic allegations dating back nearly a decade. Hayler, 38, is charged with three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to an incident alleged to have taken place at an address in West Sussex in 2016.

Hayler, who has more than 195,000 followers on Instagram and is well known for his former marriage to media personality Katie Price, attended Crawley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday for a brief preliminary hearing. He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address, and was not required to enter any plea at this stage.

The allegations, brought by Sussex Police, were formally charged last month following what the force described as a detailed and ongoing investigation. Prosecutors told the court that the charges relate to a single complainant who was aged 13 at the time of the alleged offences. No further details were discussed in open court, in line with reporting restrictions that protect the identities of alleged victims of sexual offences.

The case will now proceed to the Crown Court, where Hayler is due to appear for a plea and case management hearing at Lewes Crown Court on 17 December. He remains on unconditional bail.

A spokesperson representing Hayler issued a statement after the hearing, stressing that he “strongly denies the allegations made against him in their entirety.” The representative added: “Mr Hayler is fully engaged and has been co-operating with the police throughout the investigation and will continue to do so.”

Hayler has not commented personally on the case, and his social media accounts have remained inactive on the subject. His representative insisted that Hayler intends to “clear his name” through the legal process.

The Hearing

During Wednesday’s hearing, which lasted several minutes, the court clerk confirmed the four charges against him. Magistrates explained that the seriousness of the allegations meant the case had to be transferred to the Crown Court, where trials for rape and other serious sexual offences are heard.

No application for reporting restrictions beyond those automatically provided by law was made. As is standard practice, the alleged victim is entitled to lifelong anonymity.

Magistrates also confirmed that Hayler would remain on bail ahead of his next appearance. Conditions were not imposed.

Background

Hayler first became a public figure during his marriage to Katie Price, whom he married in 2013. The couple, who share two children, later separated and finalised their divorce in 2021. Hayler has since worked variously as a fitness instructor and content creator, maintaining a presence on social media.

His lawyer did not make any substantive comments in court regarding possible defence arguments. However, the statement issued on his behalf suggests that Hayler intends to contest the allegations vigorously.

Sussex Police have not released any further details about the investigation, reiterating only that the charges stem from complaints made and assessed according to standard procedure. Officers acknowledged ongoing public interest in the case but stressed that no additional comment would be made while court proceedings are active.

Legal Process Ahead

At the upcoming hearing in December, Hayler will be expected to enter pleas. The Crown Court will then set a timetable for the next stages of the case, which may include evidence disclosure, further hearings, and the scheduling of a potential trial. If the case proceeds to trial, it would likely not be heard until sometime in 2025 due to pressure on the criminal court system and the complexity of cases involving historical allegations.

Under UK law, defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty, and courts take particular care when handling cases involving minors. The prosecution will need to present evidence deemed sufficient by a jury or judge, while the defence will have the opportunity to challenge the allegations and offer their own account of events.

Public Reaction

News of the charges has generated widespread attention due to Hayler’s public profile and past connection to Price, one of Britain’s most recognisable media personalities. Price has not commented publicly on the case involving her ex-husband.

For now, the case remains in its early stages. With Hayler maintaining his innocence and pledging full co-operation, the matter will be decided in court over the coming months.

Hayler’s next appearance is scheduled for 17 December at Lewes Crown Court, where formal pleas are expected to be entered and the direction of the case will become clearer.