‘He seized power and won’ – Brave Nikita Hand hails McGregor decision amid DPP ‘impossible to prosecute’ update

Brave rape survivor Nikita Hand was praised for changing Irish society last night as her attacker launched an angry outcry online.

Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister for Justice Helen McEntee Tributes were paid yesterday to the 35-year-old’s bravery after winning his civil case against disgraced MMA fighter Conor McGregor on Friday.

8

8

8

A mother-of-one has been awarded almost €250,000 in damages after a High Court jury found she was “brutally” raped and “battered” by the UFC star on the penthouse of a Dublin hotel six years ago.

Taoiseach Harris made a personal phone call to Ms Hand yesterday, offering her full support and solidarity following her terrifying ordeal.

Justice Minister McEntee also praised the Dublin woman for her “courage and determination” after winning her civil rape case against McGregor, 36.

While there has been a huge increase in other sexual assault survivors contacting support groups, Cliona Saidlear, chief executive of Rape Crisis Network Ireland, declared that Nikita had “changed Ireland for the better”.

Cliona told The Irish Sun on Sunday: “Nikita’s strength shows in this decision.

“He took on this fight at incredible personal risk, and he did it for his daughter, for his future, and for the survivors.

“He came to power and won. Our admiration and gratitude cannot be overstated. As a society, his courage changed us for the better.”

Taoiseach Harris took leave from the General Election campaign yesterday to speak to Ms Hand following the landmark decision.

The Fine Gael leader said: “I spoke to Nikita today. I wanted to thank him for his incredible bravery and courage.

“I wanted to make sure he knew how much solidarity and support there was across this country for his bravery.

“I also wanted to make sure you knew what the Dublin Rape Crisis Center was saying. Many other women have come forward to speak out about their own experiences of sexual abuse, thanks to Nikita’s courage.

“I wanted to talk to him. I wanted to wish him and his daughter Freya all the best. I’m so grateful to talk to Nikita today.

“Her bravery, courage and voice have made a real difference in a country where we must continue to work to achieve zero tolerance when it comes to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.”

‘LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL’

Justice Minister McEntee also praised Ms Hand’s bravery in handling the case, saying she showed “there is light at the end of the tunnel”.

The Fine Gael deputy leader said: “I want to pay tribute to Nikita for her courage, her determination and her leadership at what was – I have no doubt – a very, very difficult time for herself and, indeed, for her family. I hope there is light at the end of the tunnel thanks to wonderful people like Nikita.” “It shows that you are there, that you support people, and that there is justice at the end of the day.”

Ms Hand told the civil hearing that she felt “absolutely devastated and disappointed” after the Director of Public Prosecutions told her no criminal charges would be brought against McGregor after he complained to Gardai.

In a letter to the former hair colorist in August 2020, they said there was “insufficient evidence” and there was no reasonable prospect of conviction.

Ms Hand asked the DPP to review the decision, saying she felt she had been treated differently because one of the suspects was a celebrity.

CALL FOR DPP TO INVESTIGATE THE CASE

Questioned yesterday about the DPP’s decision not to prosecute McGregor, both the Taoiseach and the Minister of Justice did not answer questions on the matter.

Ms McEntee insisted there should “never be any political interference in this process”.

But following Friday’s civil case victory, Ms Hand’s supporters called on the DPP to review the case.

But on Sunday The Irish Sun can reveal the DPP will not re-investigate unless dramatic new evidence emerges.

His manager reviewed the case and said the case was so complex that there was no reasonable prospect of conviction for either McGregor or co-defendant James Lawrence, who was not found responsible.

‘ESSENTIALLY IMPOSSIBLE’

And we can reveal that the likelihood of the case being reopened and followed by criminal charges is extremely low.

A legal source told us: “It’s essentially impossible for them to sue right now.

“The civil case could only proceed if a final decision was made not to prosecute.

“So unless new evidence is found, that’s not going to happen.”

Amid the fallout from the legal case, McGregor unleashed a series of wild outbursts on social media yesterday.

In an angry tirade, the thug attacked Ms Hand and vowed to appeal.

McGregor condemned the coverage of the case and also “congratulated” his close friend Lawrence after the jury found he did not assault Ms Hand.

8

8

8

8

8