Jury in civil court finds Conor McGregor raped woman in hotel

A woman who accused Irish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor of raping her in a Dublin hotel six years ago has won her claim against him for damages in a High Court civil case.

After deliberating for six hours and ten minutes, the jury returned with their verdicts in the civil trial against Conor McGregor.

The total amount of damages awarded to Nikita Hand by the jury was 248,603.60 euro.

McGregor shook his head as the jury of eight women and four men returned with their verdict.

Mr McGregor faced an accusation in the civil action that he “brutally raped and battered” Nikita Hand at a hotel in south Dublin in December 2018.

The Irish sports star previously told the court he had consensual sex with Ms Hand in a penthouse at the Beacon Hotel.

Ms Hand, who is also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, lost her lawsuit against McGregor’s friend, James Lawrence, who she also accused of raping her in a Dublin hotel in 2018.

Moments before the jury returned to the courtroom to deliver the verdict, Justice Alexander Owens warned those in the court to remain calm.

Nikita Hand fought back tears and was comforted by her partner as she waited for the jury to return.

Conor McGregor could be heard breathing loudly and heavily as the judge made his way into the courtroom.

“I understand the jury has a verdict,” Justice Owens said.

“I want everyone to remain calm. I want no scenes. Anyone who makes a scene will find themselves in jail.”

He also asked that some people standing in the back of the courtroom to move to the public gallery.

Nikita Hand said the weeks of her civil case against Conor McGregor have been a “nightmare”.

Speaking after winning her claim against him for damages in a High Court civil case, Ms Hand said: “I would like to start off by saying I’m overwhelmed and touched by the support I have received from everybody.”

She thanked her legal team, the judge and jury, gardai and paramedics, as well as doctors and nurses who provided her treatment and the Rape Crisis Centre.

Speaking to reporters outside the Dublin court, an emotional Ms Hand added: “I want to thank all the women and men out there who have supported me throughout this trial.

“For every person who reached out to me – a card, a letter, an email, everything – it hasn’t gone unnoticed. Thank you, I really appreciate it so much.”

Nikita Hand thanked her partner and family for their support.

She said: “I want to thank my partner Gary, who has been so supportive for the last four years and has held my hand throughout his trial every day and every other day.

“I want to thank my mam and all my family and friends.

“Lastly, I want to thank my daughter Freya, who I’m most grateful for.

“She has given me so much strength and courage over the last six years throughout this nightmare to keep on pushing forward for justice.

“I want to show Freya and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you – no matter who the person is – and justice will be served.”

Nikita Hand said she hoped her case will remind victims of assault to keep “pushing forward for justice”.

She said: “I hope my story is a reminder that no matter how afraid you might be: Speak up, you have a voice and keep on fighting for justice.

“I know this has impacted not only my life, my daughter’s, my family and friends tremendously.

“It’s something that I’ll never forget for the rest of my life.

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

Asked if she felt vindicated following the jury’s decision, she said: “Yes, I do. Thank you.”