Former reality star Kieran Hayler is set to face a Crown Court trial after being charged with the rape and sexual assault of a teenage girl, according to proceedings at his first court hearing.
Court appearance and charges
The 38-year-old appeared at Crawley Magistrates' Court dressed in a dark blue suit, white shirt and light grey tie for his initial hearing on November 19. Hayler faces three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault against a girl who was 13 years old at the time of the alleged offences.
During the brief hearing, the personal trainer and former husband of glamour model Katie Price spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and home address. He did not enter a plea to the charges against him.
Eric Trewett, Chair of the bench, confirmed the case would be moving to a higher court, stating: "You are being sent for trial at Crown Court. You will appear at Lewes Crown Court at 10am on December 17 for a plea and case management hearing."
Background of the allegations
The alleged offences are said to have occurred between June and October 2016, during the period when Hayler was married to Katie Price. Surrey Police charged Hayler last month before releasing him on bail.
Police authorities have confirmed that the alleged victim, who is now 23 years old, is receiving support from specially-trained officers as the legal process continues.
Hayler's legal representative has previously denied all allegations on his behalf, stating last month: "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."
Relationship history and current status
Hayler married Katie Price at a luxury Bahamian resort in January 2013, followed by a wedding blessing ceremony in Weston-super-Mare that March. The couple, who honeymooned in the Maldives, separated in 2014 according to Price's social media announcement, though their relationship reportedly continued until 2018.
The pair formally divorced in 2021, several years after their initial separation. Hayler, who has worked as a personal trainer, actor and reality television personality, now awaits his December court appearance where he will have the opportunity to enter a formal plea.
Sussex Police confirmed in a statement last month that Hayler remains released under investigation while the legal process moves forward. The case continues to develop as the December Crown Court hearing approaches.
