Supreme Court Rejects Conor McGregor’s Appeal in Assault Case

The Supreme Court has ruled against a further appeal by Conor McGregor, following findings that he sexually assaulted Nikita Hand. This decision concludes a legal process that has been described as “acutely distressing and difficult” for Hand, who brought the case forward.

In November 2022, a High Court civil jury determined that McGregor had assaulted Hand in a Dublin hotel in December 2018. The jury awarded Hand €248,000 in damages and stated that she was entitled to recover her legal costs from McGregor. McGregor subsequently appealed this ruling at the Court of Appeal, but in July 2023, the court upheld the jury’s verdict, rejecting McGregor’s challenge.

According to reports, the three-judge panel at the Supreme Court decided not to allow the appeal based on whether it met the “interests of justice” threshold necessary for such cases to proceed in the Supreme Court. Additionally, the court dismissed an appeal from McGregor’s friend James Lawrence regarding costs, as Lawrence had been found not to have assaulted Hand in the original case.

Rachel Morrogh, Chief Executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, expressed satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s decision, which she believes validates Hand’s experience. “We are so pleased for Nikita Hand, who in the face of great adversity was unshakeable in her determination that there be consequences for the harm done to her,” Morrogh stated.

She emphasized the importance of this decision, noting, “There is no more road for this to run – the original judgement stands, and Nikita Hand’s truth is validated once again.” Morrogh expressed pride in the support given to Hand throughout her journey, wishing her continued health and healing as she rebuilds her life surrounded by family and friends.

Morrough also highlighted that the case could serve as a source of encouragement for other survivors of sexual assault. “Our message to them is: No matter what happened to you, when it was, who did it to you or how it happened, please reach out for support,” she said.

The conclusion of this case marks a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue surrounding sexual assault and the legal processes that accompany such allegations. It underscores the importance of support networks for survivors and the need for accountability in cases of sexual violence.