Woman who accused Conor McGregor of rape wins civil assault case - and is awarded damages

A woman who alleged that Conor McGregor raped her has stated 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 at Dublin's High Court ruling that McGregor attacked her at a hotel in Dublin in 2018.

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

He later expressed in a statement that he had directed his legal team to challenge the civil court's ruling, expressing his disappointment that the jury was not presented with all the evidence that the director of public prosecutions had considered.

He concluded his statement by saying, "I'm spending time with my loved ones and concentrating on what lies ahead."

McGregor previously stated in court that he engaged in consensual sexual activity with Ms. Hand in a penthouse at the Beacon Hotel back in December 2018.

"Regardless of who it might be, justice will prevail."

After the ruling, a visibly emotional Ms. Hand shared her thoughts outside the courtroom, describing the past two weeks of her civil case against the fighter as a "nightmare." She explained that this experience has affected her life as well as the lives of her daughter, friends, and loved ones.

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

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

With justice finally achieved, I can begin to focus on moving forward and embracing the future alongside my family, friends, and daughter.

Ms. Hand added, "I want my story to encourage everyone to remember that even when fear grips you, it's important to speak out. You have a voice, so don't stop advocating for what is right."

You have the right to defend yourself in any situation, regardless of who is involved, and fairness will be achieved.

Ms. Hand testified in civil court that McGregor held her down on a bed, strangled her three times, and subjected her to severe physical assault and rape.

The jury learned that she sustained significant injuries, which included large bruises in shades of purple and blue on her hands and wrists, a bleeding scratch on her chest, and soreness in her neck.

McGregor has moved beyond being recognized solely for his athletic talents.

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

The jury deliberated for a total of six hours and ten minutes as they decided the fate of one of the biggest celebrities in Ireland.

The atmosphere was thick with tension.

McGregor sat expressionless, taking deep, heavy breaths at intervals as the court clerk announced that the jury had come to a verdict.

The judge firmly warned those in the courtroom that he would "imprison" anyone who created a disturbance when the information was released.

It indicated the significant importance of this situation.

In just 40 seconds, the judge announced the verdict that McGregor had been fearing, while Nikita Hand was eager to hear.

"Did Conor McGregor attack Nikita Hand?"

"Absolutely," was the response.

McGregor's face lost all color, and he was left with his head buried in his hands.

As the MMA champion left the courthouse, he began a new chapter in his life. He headed directly toward his Bentley, brushing off inquiries from journalists regarding whether he had any regrets.

He has transcended being simply a well-known figure due to his athletic talents.

However, the fighter's attorneys challenged the lawsuit and claimed that she was trying to extort them.

They highlighted the hotel surveillance video showing Ms. Hand arriving and departing with McGregor and another individual, James Lawrence, who she also alleged assaulted her.

Both McGregor and Lawrence asserted that they did nothing wrong. Although Ms. Hand was successful in her case against McGregor, she did not succeed in her lawsuit against Lawrence.

At the beginning of the trial, which was held without a jury, the court received reports about an incident on June 14. A group of masked individuals forced their way into Ms. Hand's house, shattered windows, and attacked her boyfriend with a knife.

Ms. Hand's lawyer, John Gordon, clarified that they are not attributing any blame to the defendants or suggesting that they are involved in that matter.

"We assert that this was not a random attack; it originated from the supporters of the first defendant, McGregor," he stated.

"This pertains to the assertion that she needed to relocate from the Drimnagh neighborhood."

The judge decided that it was "totally unrelated and should not be mentioned" throughout the trial.

On Monday, McGregor's lawyers advised the jurors that their personal feelings towards the renowned fighter, whether positive or negative, should not be a factor in their decision. They emphasized the importance of focusing on the facts presented rather than judging his character.

The civil trial revealed that McGregor and Ms. Hand were familiar with one another and had interacted on social media from time to time.

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

According to testimony in court, McGregor made advances toward her, but she declined his sexual advances because she was menstruating.