Woman wins civil rape case against Conor McGregor

On By Littum

PA Media Conor McGregor wearing a blue shirt, white shirt and black tie. He has light brown short hair and a beardPA Media

Conor McGregor is one of the biggest Irish sports stars and has a global profile

A woman who accused Conor McGregor of raping her has won her claim for damages against him in a civil case.

A jury found that the Irish martial artist attacked Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.

He has been ordered to pay her more than €248,000 (£206,000) in compensation.

Speaking outside court on Friday, Ms Hand said her story was “a reminder that no matter how scared you may be to speak up, you have a voice”.

Nikita Hand said she was “overwhelmed” by support after taking the case against McGregor

The jury at the High Court in Dublin had deliberated for a day before returning its verdict that McGregor had assaulted Ms Hand.

She had also brought a case against another man, James Lawrence, 35, of Rafter’s Road, Drimnagh in Dublin.

She alleged that he assaulted her by having sex with her without her consent at the Beacon Hotel.

The jury found that he did not assault her.

Ms Hand told reporters she was “overwhelmed and touched” by the support she had received.

She added: “I want to show (my daughter) Freya and all other young girls and boys that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is, and that justice will be done.”

Both men had denied the claims made by the 35-year-old hair colourist, saying they each had sex with Ms Hand at the hotel almost six years ago.

Before the judge was sent out to consider their sentences on Thursday afternoon, the judge, Mr. Justice Alex Owens, the jury that the burden of proof is on the plaintiff.

He also explained that the standard of proof was on the balance of probabilities – more likely than not.