Skip to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWant to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.Join todayAlready a member? Log inStanley Murphy-JohnsSaturday 07 November 2026 16:58 GMTKieran Hayler and his then wife, Katie Price, in 2016 (PA)Kieran Hayler has spoken out about his “five years of hell” after being found not guilty of three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault against a 13-year-old girl following a trial at Lewes Crown Court.In his first interview since being cleared, the 39-year-old personal trainer told the Mail that the case felt like it was “just a game” for his ex-wife Katie Price.During the trial, defence barristers attempted to discharge the jury over Ms Price's testimony, which prompted Judge Mark van der Zwart to warn the jury to disregard parts of her evidence.Mr Hayler described packing a bag for prison and waiting for the verdict as “the lowest point” of his life, before driving straight to collect his son from school immediately after his acquittal.Sussex Police confirmed they will consult with the victim, witnesses, and key partners to determine the next steps following the verdicts, while Ms Price declined to comment on Mr Hayler's statements.In fullKatie Price’s ex-husband speaks for first time since being cleared of rape: 'Five years of hell'More bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in