Katie Price ex said alleged rape victim could be his 'best friend'

Kate Price's ex-husband told a teenager he allegedly raped that "she could be his best friend", a jury has heard.

Kieran Hayler is accused of three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault against a 13-year-old girl in West Sussex in 2016.

The 39-year-old denies the charges.

On Friday, the teen's mother described to Lewes Crown Court what her daughter told her about Hayler.

She recalled her daughter had said Hayler told her "he didn't have any friends and she could be his best friend."

"She liked the way he spoke to her."

The complainant first contacted the NSPCC in 2021 over the allegations.

The charity then referred her to the police, prompting the investigation.

On Thursday, the girl's mother told the court that a year after the alleged rapes her daughter disclosed that Hayler had "done everything to her".

She said she was "shocked".

She told jurors she tried to ask her daughter to explain, but she replied: "I can't tell you any more" and then she "couldn't speak".

In cross-examination, Hayler's defence Arlette Piercy put to her: "I suggest nothing had happened and you knew nothing happened."

The complainant's mother replied: "That's not correct."

She also told the court: "I did believe my daughter."

Hayler has said his ex-wife had "launched a campaign" against him when their marriage ended.

The rape allegations form part of this, the court heard.

Hayler was married to media personality Katie Price at the time of the allegations, before the couple's relationship broke down in 2018 and they divorced in 2021.

The alleged victim is not part of Hayler or Ms Price's extended families.

The trial continues.

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