Katie Price's ex not guilty of raping girl, 13

Katie Price's former husband, Kieran Hayler, has been cleared of raping a 13-year-old girl after a trial at Lewes Crown Court.

Hayler, 39, was found not guilty of three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to alleged offences in West Sussex. He was also acquitted of four alternative counts of sexual activity with a child.

The jury of four men and six women reached their verdicts after 14 hours and 55 minutes of deliberation. Hayler appeared emotional as he was discharged from the dock and told he could leave.

In a statement outside court, Hayler thanked the jury as well as his friends and family 'who have stood by me', and added: 'I would like to be left in peace now to rebuild my life and spend time with my family.'

Hayler had denied the allegations, telling jurors he believed them to be fabricated. He told the court that his ex-wife had 'launched a campaign' against him after their marriage broke down. Price, who separated from Hayler in 2018 before their divorce in 2021, denied being 'angry and vengeful' towards her former husband when she gave evidence.

The verdict brings to an end a case that had drawn national attention, given Hayler's marriage to the television personality and former glamour model.