The Daily Star Ireland
Conor McGregor has announced he will appeal the civil court jury’s verdict that found him guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in a Dublin hotel room. The woman, Nikita Hand, accused the MMA fighter of raping her after a night out in December 2018.
Today, the High Court in Dublin ordered McGregor to pay €248,603.60 in damages to Ms. Hand. On social media platform X, McGregor stated he plans to appeal the decision, emphasizing that the jury’s award was for assault, not for aggravated or exemplary damages. He expressed disappointment that the jury did not hear all the evidence reviewed by the Director of Public Prosecutions and thanked his global supporters.
McGregor testified that he had consensual sex with Ms. Hand in a penthouse at the Beacon Hotel. Ms. Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, lost a separate case against another man, James Lawrence, who she claimed had sex with her without consent at the same hotel.
After eight days of testimony and three days of closing speeches and the judge’s charge, the jury of eight women and four men deliberated for over six hours before delivering their verdict. McGregor shook his head as the jury declared that Ms. Hand had won her case against him. He was present in court with his family, including his partner Dee Devlin, parents, sister, and brother-in-law, while Ms. Hand was supported by her partner and family, breaking into tears when the verdict was read.
Justice Alexander Owens, before the verdict was delivered, warned the courtroom to remain calm, emphasizing that anyone causing a scene would be jailed. He instructed those standing at the back to move to the public gallery.
Ms. Hand described the weeks of the civil case as a nightmare. After the verdict, she expressed gratitude for the support she received from her legal team, the judge, jury, police, paramedics, doctors, nurses, and the Rape Crisis Centre. She also thanked her partner, family, and friends, specifically mentioning her daughter Freya, who provided her with strength and courage throughout the ordeal.
Ms. Hand urged other victims of assault to speak up and pursue justice, hoping her case would remind them of their voice and the possibility of achieving justice. She highlighted the profound impact the case had on her life, her daughter’s life, and their family and friends.
The case, which began on November 5, detailed how Ms. Hand and her colleague Danielle Kealy went to the penthouse suite with McGregor and Lawrence after a work Christmas party. They had been drinking heavily and taking cocaine. Ms. Hand testified that McGregor pinned her to the bed and assaulted her, leaving her with extensive bruises and abrasions. She recounted how she feared for her life and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the assault.
Ms. Hand was taken to the Rotunda Hospital the next day, where she was examined in the sexual assault treatment unit (SATU). A paramedic noted the severity of her bruising, and a gynaecologist had to use forceps to remove a tampon that was wedged inside her. Ms. Hand’s testimony was emotionally taxing, requiring several breaks over almost three days.
The court heard that the assault had devastating effects on Ms. Hand’s life, causing her to leave her job as a hairdresser, end her relationship, and move out of her home. She now struggles with mortgage arrears and could no longer afford counseling sessions. Additionally, she has incurred over €4,000 in costs for medical and psychological treatment.
