Kieran Hayler on trial for alleged sexual offences

Kieran Hayler, 39, is currently on trial at Lewes Crown Court facing three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The alleged offences are reported to have occurred in West Sussex between June and October 2016, involving a complainant who was 13 years old at the time.

During court proceedings, the complainant provided evidence regarding the alleged incidents. She testified that Hayler told her to ‘take it to the grave’ and suggested that revealing the truth might cause her trouble. The court heard that following a third alleged incident, Hayler sent a text message stating, ‘I love you goodnight,’ to which the complainant replied, ‘I love you too.’

In a police interview shown to the jury, the complainant expressed feelings of self-blame, stating, ‘I thought it was my fault for ages.’ Hayler denies all charges and has pleaded not guilty.