A woman who accused MMA fighter Conor McGregor violently raped her in 2018 won a civil case in Ireland, according to The Tutor.

McGregor was ordered to pay more than $250,000 to Nikita Hand, who claimed McGregor brutally assaulted her in a hotel penthouse in 2018 in Dublin. Hand spoke outside court after Friday’s verdict, thanking his family and legal team.

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“For all victims of sexual assault, I hope my story is a reminder that no matter how scared you are, speak up, you have a voice, and you keep fighting for justice,” Hand said.

McGregor, in a statement shared with Rolling Stonesaid he had “instructed my legal team to appeal today’s decision”. He continued: “The judge’s instruction and the modest award given was for assault, there was no award for aggravated or exemplary damages. I am disappointed that the jury did not hear all the evidence that (the Director of Public Prosecutions) reviewed. I’m with my family, focused on my future.”

During the trial, Hand’s lawyer told the jury that McGregor assaulted her out of anger after losing a fight months earlier (per The Associated Press).

“He’s not a man, he’s a coward,” John Gordon said during the trial. “A cunning coward and you should treat him for what he is.” During Hand’s testimony, she told the court she feared McGregor would kill her, claiming McGregor put her in a headlock during the encounter.

Hand took her claims to the police, but they did not pursue criminal charges against McGregor. McGregor has denied the allegations, claiming he and Hand engaged in consensual sex. He called the allegations “complete lies” during the trial.

McGregor’s lawyer, Remy Farrell, encouraged jurors to set aside any personal feelings they may have about McGregor when reaching their verdict. “You may have an active dislike of him, some of you may even hate him – there’s no point pretending it could be otherwise,” Farrell told the BBC, adding that “what’s important is the evidence.” .

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