Former MMA Champion Conor McGregor Found Liable in Dublin Hotel Assault Case

On November 22, 2024, a High Court jury awarded €248,603 in damages to a woman named Nikita Hand, following her civil claim against Conor McGregor, alleging he assaulted her at a Dublin hotel. The incident was claimed to have occurred at the Beacon Hotel on December 9, 2018. During the trial, Ms. Hand stated that Mr. McGregor «would not take no for an answer,» insisting on non-consensual engagement, which he denied.

The jury, comprising eight women and four men, deliberated for a total of six hours and ten minutes before reaching their verdict. They found Mr. McGregor liable for the assault while exonerating James Lawrence, also accused of assaulting Ms. Hand. Lawrence, whose legal fees were reportedly covered by Mr. McGregor, was found not guilty of any wrongdoing, as the jury concluded the encounters were consensual.

The legal proceedings began on November 5 and spanned over twelve days. Ms. Hand initiated the legal action in October 2020, with estimated costs of around €1.5 million. The awarded damages cover roughly €60,000 in general damages and €188,000 in special damages. However, the jury did not award aggravated or punitive damages.

Ms. Hand revealed that she was diagnosed with PTSD in December 2020, a condition aggravated by the alleged events, preventing her from resuming her career as a hair colorist. She expressed that the trauma had disrupted her life, compelling her to leave Drimnagh where she owned a house.

Throughout the trial, contesting narratives emerged regarding the events of December 9, 2018. Mr. McGregor and Mr. Lawrence, both intoxicated, left a nightclub with Ms. Hand and a colleague, Danielle Kealey. Ms. Hand said she rejected Mr. McGregor’s advances due to discomfort and personal reasons, maintaining that they had shared acquaintances. Mr. McGregor described the encounter as «athletic» and consensual.

In his defense, Mr. McGregor refuted allegations about the use of force, citing photographs of the injuries as unintentional and denying conversations about obstructive physical items. Similarly, Mr. Lawrence described his interaction with Ms. Hand as consensual, dismissing accusations of a cover-up.

The court scene, commanded by Mr. Justice Owens, emphasized decorum upon delivering the jury’s verdict. Ms. Hand, visibly moved, found solace in the support of her partner and friends following the judgment.

In closing arguments, John Gordon SC, representing Ms. Hand, branded Mr. McGregor as a «devious coward,» accusing him of violent acts against her. Medical testimony underscored the severity of the alleged assault, presenting stark evidence from an examination conducted at the Rotunda Hospital’s sexual assault unit post-incident.