Conor McGregor has been discovered liable in a civil swimsuit associated to an alleged assault that happened in Dublin, Eire, in December 2018.
Based on RTE, on Friday, a Dublin Excessive Courtroom jury discovered McGregor liable of assault, with the UFC star ordered to pay sufferer Nikita Hand €248,603.60 (approx. $258,440) in damages. One other defendant additionally accused of assault, James Lawrence, was discovered not responsible.
McGregor and Lawrence had been accused of sexually assaulting Hand at a Beacon Resort penthouse suite in Sandyford, Dublin, on Dec. 9, 2018. Hand and her staff claimed she and McGregor had been out collectively when McGregor tried to power her to have intercourse. Hand testified that she advised a buddy that McGregor “raped and battered” her, later backing up her claims with testimony from a doctor and a psychologist.
On Nov. 13, McGregor took the stand and denied the accusations. He claimed any interplay between he and Hand was consensual, although he admitted that “intercourse with me was athletic, bodily.”
The sexual assault allegations first turned public on Dec. 12, 2018. Following a two-year investigation into the incident, it was reported in January 2021 that no formal costs had been filed in opposition to McGregor and the previous two-division UFC champion was not prosecuted. A private harm lawsuit was filed in opposition to McGregor that very same month, with the trial starting on Nov. 5, 2024.
It must be famous that Irish legislation is much like U.S. legislation in terms of burden of proof, with Irish legislation citing the necessity for “a stability of chances” in civil instances, that means a jury should solely discover a declare to be extra doubtless than not.
Following Friday’s verdict, McGregor exited the courthouse with out chatting with reporters.
Watch video under, courtesy of Irish Mirror.
Hand learn from a ready assertion, through which she thanked her authorized staff, household, and supporters.
Watch the video under, courtesy of Irish Mirror.
“I need to present [my daughter] and each different woman and boy you can get up for your self if one thing occurs to you, regardless of who the individual is, and justice can be served,” Hand stated. “To all of the victims of sexual assault, I hope my story is a reminder that regardless of how afraid you is likely to be, communicate up. You have got a voice and carry on preventing for justice.
“I do know this has impacted not solely my life, my daughter’s, my household and associates tremendously, and it’s one thing that I’ll always remember for the remainder of my life. However now that justice has been served, I can now try to transfer on and look ahead to the long run with my household and associates and daughter.”
Hand’s accusations included a number of grisly particulars, together with that McGregor choked her and that the alleged non-consensual intercourse left her with a tampon lodged in her vagina. She claims PTSD has left her unable to return to work.
At one level in his testimony, McGregor stated to Hand’s legal professional, “Your consumer is filled with lies. Every little thing is a lie.”
McGregor stays a outstanding member of the UFC roster. The 36-year-old Irishman has not competed since breaking his leg in a bout with longtime rival Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.
Later, McGregor tweeted that he plans to attraction the decision.
I can be interesting at the moment’s resolution. The choose’s instruction and the modest award given was for assault, not for aggravated or exemplary damages. I’m upset that the jury didn’t hear all of the proof that the DPP reviewed. I’m with my household now, centered on my future.…
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) November 22, 2024
I can be interesting at the moment’s resolution. The choose’s instruction and the modest award given was for assault, not for aggravated or exemplary damages. I’m upset that the jury didn’t hear all of the proof that the DPP reviewed. I’m with my household now, centered on my future. Thanks to all my assist worldwide
Jed Meshew contributed to this report.
