Justice Secretary praises Nikita Hand’s courage after victory in civil case against Conor McGregor – The Irish Times

Minister of Justice Helen McEntee Nikita praised Hand for her “courage”, “determination” and “leadership” Victory in civil case at Supreme Court Against Mixed Martial Arts fighter Conor McGregor.

Ms Hand claimed she was raped by Mr McGregor in December 2018 and the jury in the civil case ruled in her favour.

Ms McEntee said: “I want to congratulate Nikita for her courage, determination and leadership at what was undoubtedly a very, very difficult time for herself and indeed her family. We need more women to come forward.”

The Fine Gael Minister added: “It is crucial that victims of domestic or sexual violence know that when they come forward they will be listened to, supported and help will be there.”

Ms McEntee also said during the hearing that many organizations supporting victims and survivors reported an increase in the number of calls.

“The number of people coming forward for the first time has increased and that can only be a good thing,” Ms McEntee said. “There is an epidemic of domestic and sexual violence in this country. There is no doubt about it.

“But thanks to great people like Nikita, I hope it shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel, there is support for people and there is justice at the end of the day. We also need to reflect and use this moment to ensure that it is not just about the justice system, but society as a whole must also realize this.

“We need to focus on zero tolerance, not just in our courts but in our society, and change the attitudes that underpin much of this type of behaviour.”

A High Court jury awarded Ms Hand €248,603 in damages against Mr McGregor after finding she had been assaulted by Mr McGregor in a hotel in Dublin. Mr McGregor said he would appeal the finding.

Ms McEntee also acknowledged that the case “could move to another stage”, adding: “So I don’t want to say anything more, but I think it’s very important that his voice is heard and for that I congratulate him wholeheartedly. ”

Labor leader Ivana Bacik said addressing “gaps in Ireland’s criminal justice system” would be a priority for her party if it entered government after the election.

“We all share the same thoughts as Nikita Hand regarding yesterday’s news of the outcome of her trial. “Recent events regarding violent and gender-based crimes have reminded us of all the flaws in the system. “For many years, I have underlined the need to address problems in the justice system in the fight against domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.”

Ms Bacik added: “As a lawyer practicing criminal law, I saw first-hand how ill-equipped our criminal justice system is to address the reality of violent crime and gender-based violence. We know that victims are let down by the system. “The lack of available supports can reinforce negative attitudes towards victims and survivors of gender-based crime.”

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had previously decided not to recommend criminal charges be brought against Mr McGregor.

there is one difference between standard of evidence A case must be proven in criminal and civil cases. In criminal cases, the evidence must be beyond a reasonable doubt. The standard in civil cases is the “balance of probabilities.” When the DPP decided not to recommend criminal charges against Mr McGregor in 2020, Ms Hand sought an explanation.

In response he was told that his case was being considered in the office and that the advice of a senior lawyer was sought; This led to the decision that the evidence did not support a reasonable prospect of convicting Mr McGregor.

Ms. Hand requested an investigation and it was carried out. The review by the DPP confirmed the original decision,

The socialist feminist movement Rosa, which argues that the DPP’s criteria for investigating sexual violence is being questioned, will protest in front of the DPP office on Monday.