A woman who accused UFC star Conor McGregor of raping her in a Dublin hotel has spoken after she won her claim against him for damages.
The High Court civil case ruling was delivered on Friday afternoon (November 22) and brave Nikita Hand, 35, will now be awarded damages of €248,603.60.
She accused the MMA fighter and boxer of “choking her three times” before “raping her” at the Beacon Hotel in Dublin, Ireland after a Christmas night out on December 9, 2018. McGregor, 36, denied the accusations.
READ MORE: Conor McGregor found to have raped woman as verdict given in case against UFC star
(Image: PA)
But the jurors (eight women and four men) today found McGregor assaulted Ms Hand. However, she lost her lawsuit against McGregor’s friend, James Lawrence, who she also accused of raping her in 2018. The jury found James Lawrence did not assault Ms Hand.
After the verdict was read out, McGregor shook his head before leaving the court with his partner Dee Devlin. He refused to speak to the media.
Ms Hand meanwhile was in tears and she hugged her partner and supporters.
And in her first words, she said outside court: “I’m overwhelmed by the support I have received.”
Referencing her daughter, she added: “I want to show Freya, and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is – and justice will be served.”
After eight days of evidence, and three days listening to closing speeches, the jury spent six hours and 10 minutes coming to a verdict. A number of police officers were present when the verdict was read out.
Ms Hand’s statement in full reads: “I would like to start off by saying I’m overwhelmed and touched by the support I have received from everybody.
“First, I want to thank the legal team and my three barristers, John Gordon, Ray Boland and Sean. They have been amazing from start to finish.
“I want to thank Mr Justice Alexander Owens, all the jury, all the witnesses.
“I want to thank the doctors, nurses and everyone at the Sexual Assault Unit in the Rotunda Hospital for looking after me, especially my own doctor Frank Clarke.
“I want to thank the Rape Crisis Centre, especially Cliona, who has been by my side throughout this entire period. I want to thank all the guards and the ambulance crew.
“I want to thank all the women and men out there who have supported me throughout this, for every person who reached out to me, a card, a letter, email, everything – it hasn’t gone unnoticed. I really appreciate it so much.
“I want to thank my partner Gary, who has been so supportive over the last four years and who has held my hand throughout this, everyday and every other day. I want to thank my mam and all my family and friends.
“Lastly I want to thank my daughter Freya, who I’m most grateful for. She has given me so much strength and courage over the last six years throughout this nightmare, to keep on pushing forward for justice.
“I want to show Freya and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is and justice will be served.”