Nikita Hand Wins Civil Case Against Conor McGregor for Alleged Rape in Dublin Hotel

Nikita Hand has secured a significant victory in her civil lawsuit against Irish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor. The jury in the High Court civil case found McGregor liable for damages, ruling that he had assaulted Ms. Hand in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.

Ms. Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, alleged that McGregor brutally raped and battered her in the penthouse suite of the Beacon Hotel in south Dublin. She testified that McGregor pinned her to a bed, rejected her attempts to resist, and choked her three times before the assault. Despite McGregor’s claims of fully consensual sex, the jury rejected his version of events.

The trial was emotionally taxing for Ms. Hand, who broke down several times during her testimony and frequently requested comfort breaks. The jury, composed of eight women and four men, deliberated for six hours and 10 minutes before delivering the verdict.

The court awarded Ms. Hand €248,603.60 in damages. However, she did not succeed in her claim against James Lawrence, a friend of McGregor’s, whom she also accused of assaulting her after McGregor left the hotel.

Conor McGregor was present in the courtroom with his family, including his partner Dee Devlin and his parents, when the verdict was announced. He showed visible distress upon hearing the jury’s decision. Ms. Hand, 35, was seen crying and being hugged by her partner and supporters.

The verdict marks a significant outcome in a case that has garnered considerable public attention and scrutiny.