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Hayler's alleged victim: 'Take it to the grave'
6 Oct
Summary
- Kieran Hayler denies three rape and one sexual assault charges from 2016.
- Complainant, 13 at the time, reported feeling it was her fault.
- Hayler allegedly told the complainant to keep events secret years later.
Kieran Hayler, 39, is currently facing trial at Lewes Crown Court, accused of three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in West Sussex during 2016. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The complainant, who was 13 years old at the time of the alleged offenses, shared her distress in a police interview played for the jury.
She recounted feeling it was her fault for a long time and that she only disclosed to her mother that Hayler had touched her, not that it was sexual, fearing she might have provoked him. Several years after the alleged incidents, the complainant stated Hayler contacted her, allegedly telling her, "you promise you won't tell anyone? What we had was special - you better take it to the grave." This statement implied potential trouble for her if she disclosed the events.
The complainant recalled Hayler describing the acts as "a good thing," leading her to believe he cared for her. Following the alleged assaults, she described showering excessively, a behavior noted by her mother. These events occurred while Hayler was married to Katie Price; their marriage ended in 2018, and they divorced in 2021.
Hayler's defense suggested the allegations might be part of a campaign by his ex-wife following their marriage breakdown. The complainant, who is not related to either Hayler or Price, came forward in 2021 after contacting the NSPCC, leading to the police investigation. Hayler was interviewed in January 2022 and denied any sexual activity or the allegations taking place. Katie Price is expected to testify as a witness in the trial, which is anticipated to last approximately one week.
