Nikita Hand, the woman who accused Conor McGregor of sexual assault in a civil case at Dublin High Court in 2018, has won her case against the UFC superstar. The jury announced its verdict on Friday morning.
Hand claimed on December 9 and 10 that she had been drinking with a friend and meeting up with McGregor and his friend James Lawrence, who then sexually assaulted her, leaving her bruised and subsequently suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor denied raping Hand and claimed the pair had “sporty” consensual sex.
Hand initiated civil action after the Director of Public Prosecutions in Ireland decided not to criminally charge McGregor.
Jury deliberations began Thursday and continued through Friday. Before the jury was dispatched, both sides presented closing arguments in which Hand's lead attorney claimed that McGregor had failed to answer “for his appalling behavior,” while McGregor's side argued that Hand had created “false memories” to deal with the fact that she had cheated on her partner with the former featherweight and lightweight world champion.
The total amount of damages in this case was €248,603.60, including general and special damages (including medical costs), which is equivalent to approximately US$258,300.
“I want to show Freya [her daughter]and every girl and every boy, that if something happens to you, you can stand up for yourself, no matter who the person is, and justice will be served,” Hand said after leaving the courtroom.
