Jury finds mixed martial arts star McGregor attacked woman in 2018 – Sport

A jury of eight women and four men reached their verdict in a civil trial in Ireland’s Supreme Court after six hours and 10 minutes of deliberation.

The plaintiff, Nikita Hand, alleged that McGregor sexually assaulted her on December 9, 2018, and another man, James Lawrence, did the same, the court heard during a two-week evidentiary hearing.

The jury found that Lawrence did not attack Hand. McGregor left court without comment thanks to a large group of reporters, and later posted on X that he planned to appeal the decision.

McGregor, 36, denied the allegations and said he had “fully consensual” sex with Hand. He also denied causing bruises to the plaintiff.

Hand’s lawyer told the jury that when she was sent to a sexual assault treatment center the day after the alleged assault, the doctor was so concerned that he ordered photos of her injuries be taken.

Hand said she and a friend made contact with McGregor, whom she knew, after a company holiday party. She said McGregor drove them to a party in a penthouse suite at a south Dublin hotel where drugs and alcohol were consumed.

She said McGregor took her to a bedroom in the apartment and sexually assaulted her.

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

“I hope my story will remind all survivors of sexual violence that no matter how afraid you are, speak up, you have a voice and keep fighting for justice,” she said.