Conor McGregor rape accuser wins damages claim as MMA fighter ordered to pay £200,000

Conor McGregor faced a significant blow as his rape accuser, Nikita Hand, won her damages claim against the MMA fighter in a High Court civil case. The jury ruled in favour of Ms Hand, awarding her a total of £200,000 in damages. The case centred around allegations that McGregor had brutally raped and assaulted Ms Hand at a hotel in Dublin back in 2018.

During the trial, McGregor defended himself by claiming that the encounter was consensual, stating that they had engaged in consensual sex in a penthouse at the Beacon Hotel. However, the jury sided with Ms Hand after hearing eight days of evidence and three days of closing speeches and the judge’s charge. Following six hours and 10 minutes of deliberation, the jury reached their decision, causing McGregor to shake his head in disbelief.

Ms Hand, who also goes by the name Nikita Ni Laimhin, was emotional upon hearing the verdict, breaking down in tears and receiving hugs from her partner and supporters. McGregor, accompanied by his family, including his partner Dee Devlin, sat in court as the decision was announced. The civil case had shed light on the events that transpired during a work Christmas party, where Ms Hand alleged that McGregor pinned her down and assaulted her in a hotel bedroom.

Ms Hand described the harrowing experience in court, detailing how McGregor had choked her and left her with extensive bruises and abrasions on her body. She also disclosed the psychological impact of the incident, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis and the toll it took on her personal and professional life. The court heard how Ms Hand had to seek medical treatment and therapy following the assault, resulting in financial strain and emotional distress.

In the aftermath of the verdict, Ms Hand’s bravery in coming forward and seeking justice against a high-profile figure like McGregor serves as a reminder of the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, no matter their status or influence. The outcome of the civil case highlights the significance of supporting survivors of sexual assault in their pursuit of justice and closure.