Mixed martial arts star McGregor attacked woman in 2018, jury finds – Sports

The jury of eight women and four men reached a verdict in the civil trial at the Irish High Court after six hours and ten minutes of deliberation.

The accuser, Nikita Hand, alleged McGregor sexually assaulted her on December 9, 2018, and that another man, James Lawrence, did the same, the court heard during two weeks of evidence.

The jury found that Lawrence had not assaulted Hand. McGregor left the court through a flood of reporters without comment and later posted on X that he planned to appeal the decision.

McGregor, 36, denied the accusation and said he had “completely consensual sex” with Hand. He also denied causing any bruises to the complainant.

Hand’s attorney told the jury that when she was referred to a sexual assault treatment unit the day after the alleged assault, a doctor was so concerned that he ordered photographs of her injuries to be taken.

Hand said she and a friend contacted McGregor, whom she knew, after a work Christmas party. She said they were driven by McGregor to a party in a penthouse room of a south Dublin hotel where drugs and alcohol were consumed.

She said McGregor gave her a bedroom in the penthouse and sexually assaulted her.

Outside court, Hand said she was overwhelmed by the support she had received and felt vindicated.

“For all victims of sexual assault, I hope my story is a reminder that no matter how scared you are, speak up, have a voice and keep fighting for justice,” she said.