Woman wins civil rape case against Conor McGregor
public mediaA woman who accused Conor McGregor of raping her has won a damages claim against him in a civil case.
The jury found that the Irish MMA fighter assaulted Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.
He was ordered to pay her more than €248,000 (£206,000) in compensation.
Speaking outside the court on Friday, Ms Hand said her story was a “reminder that no matter how afraid you are to speak out, you have a voice”.
A jury at the High Court in Dublin deliberated for a day before reaching a verdict that McGregor had indeed assaulted Ms Hand.
She also brought proceedings against another man, James Lawrence, 35, of Rafter’s Road, Drimna, Dublin.
She claimed he sexually assaulted her by having sex with her without her consent at the Beacon Hotel.
The jury found he did not assault her.
Ms Hand told reporters she was “overwhelmed and overwhelmed” by the support she had received.
She added: “I want to show (my daughter) Freya and all other young girls and boys that if something happens, no matter who it is, you can stand up for yourself and justice will be served.”
Both men denied the 35-year-old hair colorist’s claims and said they had consensual sex with Ms Hand at separate hotels about six years ago.
Before being sent to consider their verdict on Thursday afternoon, Mr Justice Alex Owens reminded the jury that the burden of proof was on the plaintiff.
He also explained that the standard of proof is the balance of probabilities – the greater the likelihood than the likelihood.
