The Daily Star Ireland
Jurors in the civil case where a woman alleges she was raped by Conor McGregor have been urged to set aside any negative biases they may have about the mixed martial arts fighter and focus solely on the evidence presented.
McGregor’s lawyer, Remy Farrell SC, addressed the jury, emphasizing the importance of examining the plaintiff, Nikita Hand’s, credibility and motivations for any falsehoods she may have told. He also asked them to scrutinize the video evidence shown in court to determine if it depicted a vulnerable person following the alleged assault, stating that the CCTV footage contradicted Hand’s claims.
During his closing arguments, Farrell highlighted Hand’s selective memory loss, questioning why traumatic memories were supposedly forgotten while non-traumatic moments, such as dancing and smiling in the lift, were remembered. He found it surprising that her amnesia only affected non-traumatic events, implying that the traumatic events did not occur.
The civil action involves Ms. Hand, a 35-year-old hair colorist from Drimnagh in Dublin, who is suing for damages, claiming she was raped by McGregor and his friend James Lawrence in a penthouse suite of the Beacon Hotel in Sandyford on December 9, 2018. Both men deny the allegations, asserting that the sexual encounters were consensual.
Ms. Hand and her colleague, Danielle Kealey, had attended a Christmas party involving alcohol and cocaine the night before and continued partying the next day. She arranged for McGregor, whom she knew, to pick them up from their salon at around 10 am. They then went to the hotel, collecting Lawrence along the way.
Ms. Hand claims that McGregor choked and violently raped her in the penthouse bedroom between 12:30 pm and 6 pm. She states she has no recollection of any sexual activity with Lawrence, while both men insist she is lying.
The jury heard that Ms. Hand was taken by ambulance to the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit at the Rotunda Hospital the next morning, exhibiting extensive bruising and in a terrified state. A GP testified that internal bruising on her neck was consistent with her account of being choked. Additionally, a tampon was found deeply wedged inside her, requiring forceps for removal.
Lawrence claims he had sex with Ms. Hand twice after McGregor and Kealey left the hotel. Both men deny causing her bruising or that she was wearing a tampon.
The defense highlighted CCTV footage from the hotel’s elevator and car park, showing Ms. Hand appearing undistressed and acting affectionately towards the men, including patting Lawrence on the backside, hugging, and attempting to kiss him. Ms. Hand testified she had no memory of these events, attributing her behavior to being under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Farrell acknowledged that McGregor’s behavior might not appeal to the jurors, describing him as a polarizing figure who elicits strong opinions. He urged jurors to disregard their personal feelings about McGregor and focus strictly on the evidence. Farrell asked them to methodically analyze the evidence, identify clear facts, and assess the likelihood of the events as described.
Ultimately, Farrell asked the jury to consider the evidence impartially, without letting their views on McGregor influence their judgment, urging them to treat the case with the same seriousness and fairness as any other.
