Katie Price has told a jury at Lewes Crown Court that she was not believed when she reported her ex-husband's inappropriate conduct towards a teenager years before formal allegations emerged.
Kieran Hayler, 39, faces three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving a girl who was 13 years old at the time of the alleged incidents in West Sussex during 2016. Hayler, who was married to the television personality when the offences are said to have occurred, has denied all charges.
During an intense cross-examination on Wednesday, Hayler's defence counsel Arlette Piercy suggested Price had been "lying" about events and had "been pushing in the background" to encourage the teenager to come forward. Price responded with frustration, stating:
"I said years ago what he had done. No-one believed me. They believe me now."
Price expressed her exasperation with the proceedings, telling the court:
"I don't need to be here. You can see in black and white something's gone on. I won't have anyone calling me a liar."She characterised Hayler as
"a wrong'un"and referenced evidence she possessed.
"I know he's done stuff with the [complainant], I got the messages,"she said, adding:
"You shouldn't turn this case against me."
When Piercy challenged Price over continuing to discuss the matter despite earlier assurances she would not, the television personality replied:
"Too right – it's disgusting. But I never went to the press, never. Never once went to the police about it – that was [the complainant], not me."
What did Price say about substance use allegations?
After Hayler's lawyer referenced "cocaine and booze benders", Price objected strongly to what she characterised as discriminatory language.
"Everyone knows I self-medicated on coke due to Kieran introducing it. I don't care if you are a barrister, you are not going to slander my name like that. I don't need to sit here like a therapy session,"she stated.
How did Price characterise her marriage breakdown?
Price denied harbouring "angry and vengeful" feelings towards Hayler. She testified that the couple had separated on amicable terms following Hayler's alleged 10-month affair with their nanny. The court heard that Price had deliberately selected the nanny, believing she was "not very attractive", in hopes of preventing her husband from being unfaithful.
According to court testimony, the jury heard that Price had told a social worker in August 2018 that Hayler had been grooming the complainant since she was 13, including grabbing her bottom and expressing that he was developing romantic feelings for her. Additionally, the complainant's mother testified that her daughter had told her in August 2017, "he's done everything to me, mummy."
The court was previously informed that Price had sent a message to the alleged victim stating she had heard Hayler had "tried it on" with her, adding: "I will make you a little star." When questioned about this phrasing during cross-examination, Price described it as a "figure of speech", stating:
"There's no agenda or nothing behind it."
Earlier in the trial, according to reporting on 12 October, Price told the court she was "really shocked" by the allegations and believed the teenager was afraid; she gave evidence from behind a protective screen.
What is Hayler's defence position?
Hayler has maintained his innocence regarding all charges. The defence has suggested that Price initiated a "campaign" against him following the breakdown of their marriage, with the allegations forming part of this effort. According to earlier reporting, Hayler was first interviewed by police in January 2022 and denied that any sexual activity or alleged incidents had taken place.
The couple's relationship deteriorated in 2018, leading to their divorce being finalised in 2021. The alleged victim is not connected to either Hayler or Price's extended families.
Key Facts
- Kieran Hayler faces three rape charges and one sexual assault charge relating to a 13-year-old girl in 2016
- Price testified she had reported Hayler's conduct years earlier but was not believed at the time
- The trial is taking place at Lewes Crown Court with Price giving evidence behind a protective screen
- Hayler denies all allegations and has suggested Price launched a campaign against him following their separation
