Kieran Hayler, the former husband of media personality Katie Price, has formally entered not guilty pleas to serious sexual offence charges involving a child. The 38-year-old appeared at Lewes Crown Court for a plea hearing, where he denied all allegations against him.
Court Appearance and Formal Pleas
Dressed in a dark blue suit, white shirt, and grey tie, Hayler stood in the dock to deliver his pleas. He faces three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault concerning a girl who was 13 years old at the time of the alleged incidents. The offences are reported to have occurred between June 1 and October 13, 2016.
His Honour Judge Stephen Mooney presided over the short hearing. The judge granted Hayler bail but issued a stern warning regarding his trial attendance. "You will be released on bail. You will have to provide a defence statement. If you fail to attend your trial there is a prospect it could be heard in your absence," Judge Mooney stated.
Trial Timeline and Legal Proceedings
The court has set a firm timeline for the forthcoming legal battle. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for April 23, with the full trial due to commence at the same court on October 6, 2026. The proceedings are estimated to last approximately one week.
Hayler was initially charged by Surrey Police in October of this year before being released on bail. Sussex Police had previously confirmed the charges, stating the accused is from Northchapel in West Sussex. The young complainant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been supported by specially trained officers throughout the investigation.
Defence Statement and Previous Denials
Hayler's legal team has consistently and vehemently denied the allegations on his behalf. Following the charges in October, a representative stated: "Kieran Hayler strongly denies the allegations made against him in its entirety. Mr Hayler is fully engaged and has been cooperating with the police throughout the investigation and will continue to do so. He looks forward to his name being cleared believing in the judicial system to do so."
The case will now proceed through the judicial system, with all parties preparing for the trial next autumn. The court's schedule allows for the necessary pre-trial preparations, including the submission of a formal defence statement by Hayler as ordered by the judge.
