Katie Price’s ex-husband Kieran Hayler found not guilty of raping 13-year-old girl

He was additionally found not guilty on four alternative counts of sexual activity with a child.

The verdicts were delivered earlier today after the panel of jurors spent close to 15 hours considering the evidence presented during the trial.

The charges Mr Hayler faced related to alleged offences committed in West Sussex during 2016, when he was still married to Ms Price.

The prosecution’s case centred on three separate allegations of rape involving the teenage girl, who was 13 years old at the time.

A further count of sexual assault against the same complainant was also put before the court.

In addition to these primary charges, Mr Hayler stood trial on four alternative counts of sexual activity with a child, which the jury likewise dismissed.

All eight counts were returned as not guilty by the panel at the East Sussex Crown Court.

The jury that reached the unanimous verdicts comprised four men and six women, who deliberated for 14 hours and 55 minutes before returning their decisions.

In a statement outside court where he was accompanied by his mother, Mr Hayler thanked the jury, as well as his friends and family “who have stood by me for five years of absolute hell”.

He went on: “I would like to be left in peace now to rebuild my life and spend time with my family.”

During the proceedings, Mr Hayler’s relationship with Ms Price came under scrutiny as he accused his former wife of orchestrating a “smear campaign” built on “fabricated” allegations against him.

Ms Price, who gave evidence during the trial, denied the claims.

She also rejected suggestions that she had been “angry and vengeful” towards her ex-husband.

Ms Price and Mr Hayler separated in 2018, and later divorced in 2021.

Mr Hayler became visibly emotional in the courtroom as the jury delivered its verdicts on each of the eight counts.

Following the acquittals, the presiding judge informed him that he was free to leave the dock.