Jury in civil court finds Conor McGregor raped woman in hotel - and awards her damages

A woman who alleged that Conor McGregor sexually assaulted her expressed that "justice has been achieved" following her victory in a civil lawsuit against the Irish MMA fighter.

Nikita Hand has received €248,603 (£206,000) in compensation following a jury's decision at Dublin's High Court that McGregor attacked her in a hotel in Dublin in 2018.

McGregor, 36, did not say anything as he quickly exited the courtroom after the ruling was announced on Friday evening.

He later stated that he had told his legal team to challenge the civil court's ruling, expressing his disappointment that the jury didn't get to hear all the evidence examined by the director of public prosecutions.

He concluded his statement by saying, “I’m prioritizing my family and concentrating on what’s ahead for me.”

McGregor had earlier informed the court that he engaged in consensual sexual relations with Ms. Hand in a penthouse at the Beacon Hotel back in December 2018.

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"Regardless of who someone is, everyone will face justice."

After the ruling, a visibly emotional Ms. Hand spoke to the press, describing the past two weeks of her civil case against the fighter as a "nightmare." She shared that the experience has affected not just her life, but also the lives of her daughter, friends, and loved ones.

"I want to begin by expressing how moved and grateful I am for the incredible support I've received from everyone," the mother of one shared.

It's an experience that will stay with me forever.

With justice now accomplished, I'm ready to start moving forward and focusing on the future alongside my family, friends, and daughter.

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Speaking to others who have experienced sexual assault, Ms. Hand said: "I want my story to remind you that even if you're scared, it's important to speak out. You have the power to be heard, so keep pushing for justice."

You can advocate for yourself if something occurs - regardless of who is involved - and justice will be achieved.

Ms. Hand informed the civil court that McGregor held her against a bed, choked her three times, and "violently assaulted and attacked" her.

The jury heard that she suffered significant injuries, including dark bruises on her hands and wrists, a bloody scratch on her chest, and discomfort in her neck.

McGregor is no longer recognized solely for his talents in sports.

The small civil courtroom in central Dublin was so cramped that there was hardly any space to shift or move around.

The jury spent six hours and ten minutes deliberating on the fate of one of Ireland's biggest celebrities.

The atmosphere was so thick with unease, it felt almost tangible.

McGregor remained expressionless, occasionally taking deep, slow breaths while the court clerk announced that the jury had made their ruling.

The judge firmly warned those in the audience that he would "imprison" anyone who caused a disturbance when the news was announced.

It indicated how serious the situation was in this case.

In just 40 seconds, the judge delivered the verdict that McGregor had been fearing, while Nikita Hand was intent on hearing.

"Did Conor McGregor attack Nikita Hand?"

"Absolutely," was the response.

McGregor's face went pale as he buried his head in his hands.

As the MMA champion emerged from the courtroom, he began a new chapter in his life. He headed directly to his Bentley, sidestepping reporters' inquiries about any feelings of regret.

He has moved beyond being simply a well-known figure for his athletic skills.

However, the fighter's attorneys challenged the lawsuit and accused her of trying to engage in "extortion."

They referred to security camera footage showing Ms. Hand arriving at and leaving the hotel alongside McGregor and another individual, James Lawrence, who she has also accused of sexual assault.

Both McGregor and Lawrence have claimed that they did nothing wrong. Although Ms. Hand was successful in her case against McGregor, she was not able to win her case against Lawrence.

On Monday, McGregor's attorneys reminded the jurors that their personal feelings about the well-known fighter, whether positive or negative, should not influence their judgment. They emphasized the importance of focusing on the evidence rather than McGregor's personality.

The civil trial revealed that McGregor and Ms. Hand were acquaintances and had interacted occasionally on social media.

Prior to the attack, Ms. Hand reached out to the fighter, who then came to pick her and a friend up in his vehicle.

The court was informed that McGregor made advances toward her, but she declined to engage in any sexual activity because she was menstruating.