Questions surrounding text messages exchanged between Katie Price and a teenage complainant have taken center stage during the trial of her former husband, Kieran Hayler, at Lewes Crown Court in England. Testifying before the court, Price defended her past communications and denied any malicious intent, while Hayler maintained his innocence against historical allegations dating back to 2016.
The legal proceedings, which unfolded across October 14 and 15, 2026, center on allegations involving a 13-year-old girl in West Suss*x. Hayler, 39, faces multiple charges, including three counts of and one count of . He has entered a plea of not guilty and has consistently argued that the allegations were manufactured by Price as part of a targeted campaign following the breakdown of their marriage.
Giving evidence from behind a screen on October 12 and 13, the 48-year-old model and media personality recalled exchanging messages with the young complainant. Price told jurors she confronted Hayler at the time after sensing fear in the young girl’s messages, asking him directly if he had “done stuff” with the teenager. Price stated that Hayler continually denied the accusations.
Defense Challenges Price Over Text Messages and Intent
During cross-examination, defense counsel Arlette Piercy pressed Price regarding specific text exchanges read into the court record. Particular scrutiny was placed on a message in which Price assured the girl she would protect her and offered to make her a “little star.”
Price rejected suggestions that she held a vendetta against her ex-husband, telling the court, “That is not true” and adding that she harbored no venom toward Hayler. When questioned about the phrase “little star,” Price maintained it was merely a “figure of speech” used without any underlying agenda or improper motive when the complainant was 13 years old.
Judge Mark van der Zwart has overseen the proceedings at Lewes Crown Court, where the prosecution concluded its case before the defense presented further testimony. Following the close of the initial prosecution case, Hayler also entered not-guilty pleas to four alternative counts of s*xual activity with a child, which the jury may consider alongside the principal charges.
Testimony from the Complainant and Family
Earlier in the trial, jurors heard testimony from the complainant-now in her early 20s-who recounted receiving messages from Hayler following the alleged incidents. The girl’s mother also took the stand, testifying that her daughter felt drawn to Hayler because he claimed to lack other friends and offered a close bond. The mother defended her actions regarding why she delayed reporting the situation, stating she felt bound to protect her daughter’s trust and feared the consequences of speaking out prematurely.
Legal representatives for Hayler have reiterated his full cooperation with Suss*x Police throughout the multi-year investigation, emphasizing that he strongly denies all allegations and looks forward to clearing his name through the judicial system. The trial at Lewes Crown Court continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the charges against Kieran Hayler?
Kieran Hayler faces charges including three counts of and one count of s*xual activity with a child relating to an alleged victim in West Suss*x in 2016. He denies all allegations.
What role did Katie Price play in the trial?
Katie Price, Hayler’s former wife, appeared as a witness at Lewes Crown Court to give evidence regarding text message exchanges she had with the complainant years prior and conversations where she confronted Hayler about the claims.
What did Katie Price say about the “little star” text message?
Under cross-examination, Price defended the text message-in which she offered to make the complainant a “little star”-insisting it was merely a “figure of speech” with no hidden agenda.
How does Kieran Hayler respond to the allegations?
Hayler strongly denies the allegations in their entirety. His defense has argued that Price influenced the complainant and engineered the claims out of animosity following their marital separation.
Which court is hearing the case?
The trial is taking place at Lewes Crown Court in East Suss*x, presided over by Judge Mark van der Zwart.
