Nikita Hand was always confident she would win her civil case against UFC fighter Conor McGregor after she emerged victorious Friday’s hearing, receiving more than £200,000 in damages
Nikita Hand said she expected to win her civil case against UFC fighter Conor McGregor following her victory in Friday’s hearing.
McGregor was found liable of assaulting a woman who accused him of rape in a Dublin hotel six years ago – with a jury awarding her more than £200,000 in damages. Hand was always confident the jury would rule in her favour because she was telling the “truth from day one”.
The 35-year-old hair colourist said she has continued to receive supportive calls, texts, emails and messages after she was awarded damages. Hand said the result means her young daughter does not have to grow up in a world where she has to “shut up and say nothing”.
She was asked if she expected to win the case and told the Irish Mail on Sunday: “To win? Yeah, yes, yes. Yes, because my story is true. I always believed in my heart that I would [win].”
She then added on the decision of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) not to proceed with a criminal trial: “Obviously with the DPP, that didn’t work out, but yeah, I always felt like I was gonna win because I was telling the truth from day one, you know.”
Speaking outside the court on Friday Hand said; “I am overwhelmed by the support I have received from everybody. I want to thank my legal team and my three barristers, they have been amazing from start to finish. I want to thank the justice, the jury and all the witnesses. I want to thank the doctors, nurses and everyone at the sexual assault unit at the Rotunda assault unit, especially my own doctor.
“I want to thank the rape advice centre, I want to thank all the guards and the ambulance crew. I want to thank the men and women who have supported me throughout this trial. For every person who reached out to me, a card, email, everything, it has not gone unnoticed. Thank you, I really appreciate it so much.”
McGregor has indicated he intends to appeal the decision after seeing James Lawrence, another man who Hand accused of sexual assault, had the allegation against him not proved.
He said on social media: “Justice was served for James Lawrence, yes!” In another post, he wrote: “Falsely accused a man of rape and lost.”
Yesterday he continued to post: “This is not a court of hard evidence and truth. It is a kangaroo court of opinions and feelings. We are not done yet. Not by a long shot. No chance. On we fight! Justice and truth will prevail! Appeal! Appeal! Appeal! As well as other. Congrats James! Onwards and upwards!”
