High Court awards Nikita Hand €250,000 after assault verdict against Conor McGregor

Nikita Hand, a 35‑year‑old mother of two, has spoken publicly about the lasting mental‑health impact of the assault by Conor McGregor and her decision to pursue a civil case.

Hand accused the MMA fighter of raping her in a Dublin hotel room in December 2018. After the Director of Public Prosecutions declined to bring criminal charges, she filed a civil claim against McGregor and James Lawrence of Rafters Road, Drimnagh. Both men denied wrongdoing.

A High Court jury found McGregor liable for assault and awarded Hand just under €250,000 in damages, while Lawrence was cleared. Attempts by McGregor’s lawyers to overturn the verdict have been unsuccessful.

On The Claire Byrne Show, Hand described writing about her experience as “really, really healing” and said she continues to live with panic attacks and PTSD, though she draws strength from her two daughters and partner.

Hand recounted that she initially resisted reporting the assault until her mother urged her to seek medical help, prompting the arrival of Gardaí and an ambulance. Following the DPP’s decision not to prosecute, she felt “absolutely devastated,” which intensified her anxiety.

With support from the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Hand has undergone therapy and uses coping techniques such as holding ice to manage panic attacks. She acknowledges the trauma will likely persist, but notes the civil victory does not erase the scars.

Source: Newstalk. Photo: David Guerrero / Pexels.