In a high-profile civil case, a Dublin jury has ruled that mixed martial arts (MMA) star Conor McGregor assaulted Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel in December 2018, according to the BBC. The court awarded Hand, a 35-year-old hair colorist, over 248,000 Euros in damages.
The jury deliberated for over six hours before reaching the final verdict, which McGregor has vowed to appeal.
Hand accused McGregor of pinning her to a bed and physically assaulting her at the Beacon Hotel.
She described being placed in a chokehold and sustaining extensive bruising and abrasions across her body, including her hands, wrists, and neck.
A paramedic who examined Hand noted that her injuries “were some of the worst she had seen in years.” Hand was later assessed at a sexual assault treatment unit at Dublin’s Rotunda Hospital.
The jury, eight women and four men backed Hand after reviewing eight days of evidence, including testimonies and cross-examinations.
Another man involved in the case, James Lawrence, was accused of assaulting Hand by engaging in non-consensual sexual activity.
The jury cleared Lawrence of all allegations due to the lack of evidence.
During the trial, Hand recounted the traumatic effects of the incident on her life. She said that the attack forced her to leave her job, caused the breakdown of her relationships, and led to financial hardships, including mortgage arrears.
Hand also had to stop psychotherapy due to financial constraints after spending more than EUR 4,000 on medical and therapy expenses.
Speaking outside the court after the verdict, Hand expressed gratitude for the support she received and highlighted the importance of seeking justice.
She said, “I want to show my daughter Freya and every other young girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is, and that justice will be served.”
Conor McGregor has denied the allegations throughout the case, asserting that his interactions with Hand were consensual.
After the verdict, McGregor stated on X (formerly Twitter) that he would appeal the verdict. He thanked his supporters, writing, “The judge’s instruction and the modest award given was for assault, not for aggravated or exemplary damages. I am with my family now, focused on my future.”
During the trial, McGregor claimed that Hand’s injuries may have resulted from her diving into a bathtub during the party. He was accompanied in court by his partner, Dee Devlin, and other family members. Hand, on the other hand, was visibly emotional as the verdict was read, crying and embracing her supporters.
Hand and her colleague had attended a Christmas party before joining McGregor and Lawrence in the hotel’s penthouse suite. Both women admitted to heavy drinking and cocaine use during the night.