Katie Price’s ex-husband Kieran Hayler has pleaded not guilty to charges of raping a 13-year-old girl.
The 38-year-old, who was wearing a dark blue suit, white shirt and grey tie, formally denied three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault against the youngster during a short hearing at Lewes Crown Court today.
Hayler spoke to give his pleas from the dock. He heard he will now stand trial at the same court in a case due to begin on October 6 next year.
His Honour Judge Stephen Mooney told him: “You will be released on bail. You will have to provide a defence statement. If you fail to attend your trial there is a prospect it could be heard in your absence.”
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PA)
The trial is expected to last around a week. A pre-trial hearing is due to be held on April 23.
Hayler was charged with the alleged offences by Surrey Police in October before being released on bail.
Speaking in October, a legal representative denied the allegations on Hayler’s behalf.
They said: “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.”
If you are 18 or under and have been affected by this story, you can contact Childline, confidentially on 0800 1111. You can also contact the NSPCC Helpline by phoning 0808 800 500 or emailing help@nspcc.org.uk. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
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