Conor McGregor vows to appeal verdict after civil jury finds he raped woman at hotel

22 November 2024 18:45

MMA fighter Conor McGregor has vowed to appeal a civil court jury’s verdict that he sexually assaulted a woman in a Dublin hotel room.

The jury in the civil case against Mr McGregor handed down its verdict on Friday afternoon, awarding Nikita Hand €248,603 (about £206,600) in damages.

Mr McGregor was accused of “brutally raping and assaulting” Ms Hand at a south Dublin hotel in December 2018.

The Irish sports star had previously told the court he had consensual sex with Ms Hand on the rooftop of the Beacon Hotel.

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McGregor vowed to appeal the decision, writing on social media: “I will appeal today’s decision.

“The Judge’s instructions and the modest award awarded were for assault, not aggravated or exemplary damages.

“I am disappointed that the jury did not hear all the evidence the DPP considered.

“I am now with my family and focused on my future. Thank you for all the support around the world.”

Ms Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, lost her case against another man, James Lawrence, whom she accused of assaulting her after allegedly having sex without her consent at the same hotel.

After eight days of hearing evidence and three days of hearing closing arguments and the judge’s charge, the jury of eight women and four men deliberated for six hours and 10 minutes before returning its verdict.

Mr. McGregor nodded after the jury read that Ms. Hand had won her case against him.

Mr McGregor was accompanied by his family, including his partner Dee Devlin, his parents, sister and brother-in-law.

He was sitting in the back row of the court between his partner and his mother Margaret.

He was sitting in the back row of the court between his partner and his mother Margaret.

Ms Hand, 35, cried and was embraced by her partner and supporters.

Many police officers were present in the courtroom when the decision was announced.

Nikita Hand said she hoped her case would remind victims of assault that they must continue to “move forward for justice”.

She said: “I hope my story is a reminder to you that no matter how scared you may be: Speak up, make your voice heard and keep fighting for justice.” I know this doesn’t just affect my life, my daughter’s life, and my family’s life. and friends extremely.

“This is something I will never forget for the rest of my life.

“Now that justice has been served, I can move on and look to the future with my family, my friends and my daughter.”

Asked if he felt vindicated after the jury verdict, he said: “Yes, it is. Thank you.”