Kieran Hayler, who accused ex-wife Katie Price of a 'smear campaign', is cleared of raping a girl, 13

Judge Mark van der Zwart called Katie Price a 'dangerous witness' and said her personal agenda nearly collapsed the trial. After her first day of evidence, Hayler's defence demanded the jury be discharged over an 'overwhelming tsunami of prejudice'. A jury of four men and six women deliberated for 14 hours and 55 minutes at Lewes Crown Court. Hayler, 39, wept as he was freed.

He was acquitted of three rape counts, sexual assault and four alternative charges.

Barrister Arlette Piercy called Price's evidence a 'premeditated attempt to bring down this trial'.

Outside court, Hayler thanked supporters for standing by him through 'five years of absolute hell'.