Former MMA champion Conor McGregor has launched an appeal against a civil court ruling that found he sexually assaulted Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel in December 2018 Conor McGregor rape case appeal. The case, decided in 2024, ordered McGregor to pay €248,000 (£206,000) in damages to Ms Hand.
The appeal began on Tuesday at Ireland’s Court of Appeal, drawing fresh public and media scrutiny to a high-profile legal battle involving one of Ireland’s most internationally known sports figures.
New Evidence Withdrawn from Appeal
McGregor’s legal team withdrew a request to admit new evidence from two individuals—Samantha O’Reilly and Steven Cummins—who previously claimed to have witnessed a domestic dispute between Ms Hand and a former partner. McGregor believed their testimony could suggest alternative explanations for the bruises noted on Ms Hand’s body Conor McGregor rape case appeal.
However, Ms Hand strongly rejected those claims, calling them “all lies.” Her legal team stated the withdrawal of the new evidence amounted to a concession that the allegations had no basis.
Additionally, McGregor abandoned plans to introduce testimony from Prof Jack Crane, a former Northern Ireland state pathologist.
Key Legal Arguments in McGregor’s Appeal
McGregor’s team is challenging several elements of the original civil trial:
- Jury Question Wording: The issue paper asked, “Did Conor McGregor assault Nikita Hand?” His team argues it should have specified “sexual assault.” Ms Hand’s lawyers counter that the term “assault” covers all types of assault, including rape.
- Right to Silence: McGregor gave about 100 “no comment” responses during Gardaí (police) interviews. His lawyers argue that mentioning this in court created an adverse inference. Ms Hand’s team noted no objection or motion was filed at trial to discharge the jury based on this Conor McGregor rape case appeal.
- Jury Instructions: The defense also takes issue with how the judge directed the jury before they reached their verdict, though specific criticisms of the charge have not been made public.
Support for Nikita Hand
Outside the court, a group of supporters, including Irish MP Ruth Coppinger, gathered holding a banner that read “We Stand With Nikita Hand.” Ms Hand attended the hearing alongside family and friends, visibly emotional as the appeal began.
Public and Legal Backlash
Ms Hand’s legal team has called for McGregor to be investigated for subornation of perjury—the act of inducing someone to lie under oath—due to his attempted introduction of disputed witness statements Conor McGregor rape case appeal.
Although the appeal does not seek to overturn the finding of liability itself, it challenges the trial’s legal structure and process, aiming to overturn the €248,000 damages award or at least force a retrial.
Looking Ahead
The appeal is being heard by a three-judge panel and could take weeks before a ruling is made. Regardless of the outcome, the case continues to polarize public opinion in Ireland and raises broader questions about celebrity accountability in civil courts.
Stay updated on The Morning News Informer for the latest developments in Conor McGregor’s appeal and other high-profile legal cases.
