World · Europe · 2 days ago
Court hears Hayler told 13-year-old accuser she could be his best friend
A court heard testimony about what a girl’s mother says her daughter told her about Kieran Hayler.
The girl was 13 at the time of the alleged offences in 2016.
Hayler denies three rape charges and one sexual assault charge.
The trial is continuing, and the charges have not been proven.
Kieran Hayler is on trial at Lewes Crown Court, accused of three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving a girl who was 13 at the time of the alleged offences.
The alleged offences are said to have taken place in West Sussex between June 1 and October 13, 2016; Hayler denies all charges.
The court heard that the complainant told her mother about the alleged abuse about a year after it happened, and later contacted the NSPCC in 2021.
The complainant’s mother testified that she kept the allegations confidential to protect her daughter’s trust and denied being pressured or influenced to give evidence.
The defence has argued that the allegations were fabricated as part of a campaign by Hayler’s former wife, Katie Price, after their relationship broke down; Price is expected to give evidence.
- Who
- Kieran Hayler, the complainant, her mother, and Katie Price
- What
- Hayler is on trial for three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault; he denies the charges.
- When
- The alleged offences are said to have occurred between June 1 and October 13, 2016.
- Where
- Lewes Crown Court; the alleged offences are said to have occurred in West Sussex.
- Why
- The prosecution is trying the charges; Hayler’s defence says the allegations were fabricated as part of a campaign against him.
Prosecution and complainant’s mother
Kieran Hayler’s defence
Whether the allegations are genuine
Prosecution and complainant’s mother
The complainant’s mother told the court that she believed her daughter and denied making up the allegations.
Kieran Hayler’s defence
The defence says Hayler believes the allegations were fabricated as part of a campaign against him.
Whether the mother was influenced
Prosecution and complainant’s mother
The mother said nobody had pressured or influenced her to come forward or give evidence.
Kieran Hayler’s defence
The defence questioned the mother about whether Katie Price’s involvement and messages to the complainant had influenced events.
Why the mother did not disclose the allegations earlier
Prosecution and complainant’s mother
The mother said she wanted to keep her daughter’s confidence and protect her trust.
Kieran Hayler’s defence
The defence questioned the mother about what she knew and what action she took after learning of the allegations.
The alleged offences are said to have taken place in West Sussex while the complainant was 13.
Katie Price contacted social services, according to the account heard in court.
The complainant contacted the NSPCC, which referred the matter to police.
Hayler was interviewed by police and denied the allegations.
Hayler’s trial was being heard at Lewes Crown Court, and the proceedings were continuing.
- Charges
- Three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault
- Age at time of alleged offences
- 13
- Location of alleged offences
- West Sussex
- Alleged offence period
- June 1 to October 13, 2016
- NSPCC contact
- 2021
- Court
- Lewes Crown Court
What people are saying
I had to keep her secret and her trust.
I believed my daughter.
No, nobody.
I just feel dirty all the time.
Sources
Katie Price feared ex-husband Kieran Hayler groomed, sexually abused alleged rape victim, court hears
Kieran Hayler told 13-year-old rape accuser she could be his ‘best friend’
Katie Price's ex-husband Kieran Hayler told 13-year-old girl who accused him of rape that she could be his 'best friend as he had no mates', court hears
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