Kieran Hayler cleared of raping 13-year-old girl

Jury reaches verdict in Kieran Hayler trial

The jury returned its verdicts on Thursday, finding the 39-year-old not guilty of three rape charges, one count of sexual assault and four alternative charges relating to alleged sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl.

The allegations concerned events said to have taken place in West Sussex in 2016.

Four men and six women considered the evidence for almost 15 hours before reaching their decisions. The trial had lasted nearly a week, with Hayler maintaining his innocence throughout.

Hayler accused Price of running a 'smear campaign'

During the proceedings, Hayler alleged that the accusations had been fabricated and claimed Price was pursuing a “smear campaign” against him. 

Price rejected suggestions that she was “angry and vengeful” towards her former partner.

The alleged offences were said to have occurred while the pair were still married. They separated in 2018, with their divorce finalised three years later.

Price has not issued a public statement following the court’s decision.