A judge has ruled that mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor must pay the legal costs of a woman who accused him of raping her.
In a civil case brought by Nikita Hand, a jury found McGregor liable for sexual assault and ordered him to pay nearly €250,000 (£207,000) in damages.
He has now been ordered to pay her legal costs in a further hearing on Thursday. James Lawrence, of Rafter’s Road, Drimnagh, in Dublin, who was also accused of rape by Ms. Hand but found not liable, will not be awarded any costs.
The judge deemed it a “singular and peculiar case” and indicated that McGregor could face legal action for his social media statements.
McGregor, who had denied the claims, has already stated that he will appeal.
Ms. Hand’s solicitor stated that McGregor’s actions before, during, and after the trial justified him paying the entire cost of the proceedings.
The full extent of the costs is unknown, although Ms. Hand was not awarded the highest amount asked by her legal team.
During the litigation, it was revealed that Mr. McGregor had been paying his friend Mr. Lawrence’s legal fees.
The court was urged to consider Mr. McGregor’s social media remarks following the verdict, in which he referred to the court as a “kangaroo court.”.
The lawyer described this as a “direct insult” to the jury. He further stated that the jury’s “direct criticism” should be noted and included in the expenses.
The judge found it “most unsatisfactory” that a litigant would insult the jury and accuse him of violating court procedures.
McGregor’s counsel denied the application, arguing that the court lacks the broad jurisdiction to impose costs that Ms. Hand’s lawyer claims.
Mr. Lawrence’s counsel stated that his client was not participating in a “grand conspiracy theory” against Ms. Hand and that the court was being asked to become the 13th jury in the case.
In a Republic of Ireland civil action, unlike a criminal case, neither the complainant nor the accused has the right to automatic anonymity during court proceedings.
The jury at the High Court in Dublin deliberated for a day before concluding that McGregor assaulted Ms. Hand.
