Conor McGregor, an Irish mixed martial artist, has been accused of raping a woman in a Dublin hotel, the city’s High Court has been informed.
Nikita Hand is seeking legal damages from McGregor and another man, saying she was sexually abused.
Mr. McGregor’s attorneys informed the court that Ms. Hand, who has no automatic right to anonymity, is trying extortion.
Justice Alexander Owens told the jury that on December 9, 2018, McGregor and James Lawrence, of Rafters Road, Drimnagh, allegedly sexually assaulted Ms. Hand.
According to the judge, the pair “in effect raped her.”
Mr. Justice Owens informed the jury that this is not a criminal case but rather a civil matter of assault and that if the assault occurred, it is a civil wrong and the plaintiff is entitled to compensation.
Ms. Hand’s attorney, John Gordon, stated that his client knew Mr. McGregor since they were both of the same age, lived in the same region, and had mutual friends.
Ms. Hand resided in Drimnagh, a Dublin suburb, with her husband and seven-year-old daughter in 2018.
Mr Gordon stated that Mr. McGregor was “enormously famous” and considered a “hero” in Drimnagh.
On December 8, Mr. McGregor picked up Ms. Hand, a Dublin hairdresser, and her friend from a Christmas party, the court heard.
Ms. Hand thought Mr. McGregor was escorting her and a companion to another party.
They were then joined by Mr. Lawrence and went to a rooftop suite at the Beacon Hotel in Dublin, where they drank and used cocaine.
On one occasion, Mr. McGregor invited Ms. Hand to join him in his bedroom.
The court heard that Mr. McGregor “came onto” Ms. Hand, but she did not want to have sexual intercourse since she was on her period.
Ms. Hand then claims Mr. McGregor pinned her down on the bed.
Mr. Gordon stated that the jury will hear how she attempted to shove him off of her but was unable to do so, leaving her with bruising, scratches, and a cut on her chest.
The court also heard from a gynaecologist who examined Ms. Hand in the Rotunda Hospital’s emergency department on December 10.
Dr. Daniel Kane reported that she was “shaking and crying” throughout the examination.
Dr. Kane also highlighted Ms. Hand’s various injuries, which were photographed and submitted to the court. He classified the injuries as moderate to serious.
