Conor McGregor loses sexual assault case, vows to appeal

Conor McGregor, the world-famous UFC fighter, has been ordered to pay €248,603.60 in damages after being found liable for the sexual assault of Nikita Hand in 2018 on Friday.

The jury deliberated for over six hours before returning a verdict in favour of the plaintiff, Hand, who accused McGregor of sexually assaulting her at a Dublin hotel.

In December 2018, Hand alleged that she and a friend were invited by McGregor to a penthouse party at the Beacon Hotel, where drugs and alcohol were consumed.

According to Hand, McGregor later took her to a bedroom, where he sexually assaulted her. McGregor has denied the allegations, maintaining that the sexual encounter was consensual.

The jury’s decision followed two weeks of emotional testimony, during which Hand’s lawyer, John Gordon, revealed that she was on antidepressants and "full of drugs" at the time of the alleged assault. Despite McGregor’s insistence that no assault occurred, the jury found him liable for the attack.

Following the verdict, McGregor announced his intention to appeal the decision.

In a statement, he said, “I am disappointed that the jury did not hear all the evidence that the DPP reviewed. The judge's instruction and the modest award given was for assault, not for aggravated or exemplary damages.” McGregor vowed to focus on his future and thanked his global supporters.

Outside the court, Hand expressed her relief and gratitude. “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,” she said, visibly emotional. She also stressed the importance of standing up for oneself and seeking justice, particularly for her daughter, Freya.

In addition to the assault claim against McGregor, Hand had also filed a lawsuit against McGregor's associate, James Lawrence, whom she also accused of assaulting her that night. However, the jury found in favour of Lawrence, dismissing the claims against him.

The case has drawn significant attention, particularly in Ireland, where McGregor is a national figure. As McGregor continues to appeal the ruling, the case raises important questions about consent, accountability, and the legal process in sexual assault cases.

The court proceedings also involved extensive legal deliberations, with Justice Owens summarising the principles that guided the jury's decision, including the standard of proof in civil cases, which is based on the balance of probabilities rather than the higher threshold required in criminal cases. 

The jury was also instructed to consider various types of damages, including general, aggravated, and exemplary damages.