Katie Price Had Breakdown Over Kieran Hayler Rape Claims, Court Told

Katie Price told Lewes Crown Court that she suffered a breakdown and had to enter the Priory after asking then-husband Kieran Hayler if he had done stuff with a 13-year-old girl, the Irish Sun reported. Hayler, 39, has denied three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault against the schoolgirl allegedly committed in West Sussex during their marriage. The complainant is not a member of either family.

The former glamour model testified that she was really shocked by the allegations and confronted her husband at the time. It was a different kettle of fish, it’s a child, Katie told the court, according to the Irish Sun. When prosecutor Ryan Richter asked about Hayler’s response, she stated she could not remember his exact words, but noted his reply was always that he had not done it. She added that she was going through a breakdown at the time and required treatment at the Priory.

The May 2017 Message Exchange With the Complainant

Jurors previously reviewed a message exchange from May 2017—occurring eight months after Hayler’s last alleged attack—in which Katie messaged the girl and promised to make her a little star while asking if she had kissed Hayler. Katie wrote to the girl, who was 14 at the time of the messages: I WON’T say anything and I PROMISE I’ll protect you! I’m only asking as this is a serious allegation to say.

The complainant replied that it was just a flirt thing and that Hayler knew it was wrong, noting nothing happened. Katie pressed further for the truth, writing: Was it just a flirt and what did he do to realise it was wrong? Did he try (to) kiss you? I won’t bring (it) up anymore (I) just want (the) truth! I will make you a little star.

Testifying in court, Katie said she could tell from the messages that the girl was afraid. I wanted to get information out of (the complainant) because it’s serious, Katie told jurors, adding that she could tell the girl was afraid and that the messages indicated Kieran had tried to kiss her and done stuff to her.

Marriage History and Ongoing Trial Proceedings

The complainant, now 23, reported her allegations to the NSPCC in 2021. The charity referred the matter to police, leading to a police interview in December 2021 and the subsequent questioning of Hayler the following month. Hayler has denied all allegations and asserted that anything sexual occurred, with jurors told that the father of children has suggested Katie launched a campaign against him when their marriage ended.

Hayler worked as a stripper and actor and married Katie in 2013 at a luxury resort in the Bahamas, making him her third husband following singer Peter Andre and cage fighter Alex Reid. The couple split in 2018 and finalized their divorce in 2021. The criminal trial at Lewes Crown Court continues.