BREAKING: Nikita Hand speaks outside court.
pic.twitter.com/H1K4eit8Ug
— Paul Healy (@Healyhack)
November 22, 2024
A jury has found Ultimate Fighting Championship star Conor McGregor responsible for the sexual assault of Nikita Hand in 2018.
McGregor’s trial has concluded, with the High Court in Dublin finding that McGregor assaulted Hand during their 2018 encounter. She previously testified that he and another man, James Lawrence, raped her at the Beacon Hotel in Dublin on December 9, 2018, but the jury did not find that Lawrence had assaulted her. There wasn’t. According to the Irish Mirror and RTE, as a result of the civil suit, Notorious was ordered to pay 248,603.60 euros ($259,025) in damages.
Ms McGregor has denied all accusations of harmful contact and maintained that any acts were consensual when she described acts she believed had been consented to. Mr Hand suffered bruises all over his body, but Mr McGregor said they did not come from him. In his 2021 lawsuit, Hand sought more than $2 million in damages for injuries, lost wages and forced relocation due to harassment and intimidation for coming out against his beloved fighter. She also filed a personal injury lawsuit against him, which is currently pending.
Hand released a statement after the verdict, thanking her family and friends for their support and her legal team.
“What I want to show you is [my daughter] And to every other girl and boy out there, if something happens to you, you can stand up for yourself no matter who it is and justice will be served. I hope my story reminds all victims of sexual assault to speak up, speak out and continue to fight for justice, no matter how scared you may be,” she said. Ta.
This was not a criminal trial, so McGregor was not found “guilty” of any crime. Additionally, the standard of proof would be lowered, with the burden of proving that it was more likely than not that McGregor assaulted her, rather than beyond a reasonable doubt. Civil judgments can be appealed from the High Court to the Court of Appeal, with the final appeal stage being the Supreme Court. McGregor has not competed in a combat sport since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021, and has had multiple bouts with Michael Chandler canceled in recent years.
I intend to appeal today’s decision. The judge’s instructions and the modest award awarded were for assault, not aggravated or punitive damages. We are disappointed that the jury did not hear all of the evidence that the Democratic Party considered. I’m currently with my family and focused on my future.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA)
November 22, 2024
McGregor did not stop outside court to make a statement, but he posted on social media soon after to announce his intentions.
“I intend to appeal today’s decision,” the Irishman wrote. “The judge’s instructions and the modest award awarded were for assault and not for aggravated or punitive damages. We are disappointed that the jury did not hear all of the evidence against assault. ” [Director of Public
Prosecutions] I reviewed it. I’m currently with my family and focused on my future. Thank you for your support around the world. ”
