November 22, 2024, 6:45 p.m

MMA fighter Conor McGregor has vowed to appeal a civil jury’s verdict that he sexually assaulted a woman in a Dublin hotel room.

The jury in the civil case against Mr McGregor returned its verdict on Friday afternoon, awarding Nikita Hand €248,603 (around £206,600) in damages.

Mr McGregor faced allegations that he “raped and brutally beat” Ms Hand at a south Dublin hotel in December 2018.

The Irish sports star previously told the court he had consensual sex with Ms Hand in a penthouse at the Beacon Hotel.

Read more: Conor McGregor claims woman who said he ‘beaten and raped’ her in hotel room ‘moaned with pleasure’

Read more: Conor McGregor accused of raping and choking a woman after snorting cocaine

McGregor vowed to appeal the decision, writing on social media: “I will be appealing today’s decision.

“The judge’s instruction and the modest award given was for assault, not aggravated or exemplary damages.

“I am disappointed that the jury did not hear all the evidence that the DPP considered.

“I’m with my family now, focused on my future. Thanks to all my support around the world.”

Ms Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, lost her case against another man, James Lawrence, who she accused of assaulting her for allegedly having sex without her consent at the same hotel.

After eight days of evidence and three days of hearing closing arguments and the judge’s charge, the jury of eight women and four men spent six hours and 10 minutes deliberating before returning their verdict.

Mr McGregor shook his head after the jury read that Ms Hand had won the case against him.

Mr McGregor was accompanied by his family, including his partner Dee Devlin, his parents, sister and brother-in-law.

He sat in the back row of the court, between his partner and his mother, Margaret.

He sat in the back row of the court, between his partner and his mother, Margaret.

Mrs Hand, 35, cried and was hugged by her partner and supporters.

Several police officers were in the courtroom when the verdict was handed down.

Nikita Hand said she hoped her case would remind victims of bullying to keep “pushing forward for justice”.

She said: “I hope my story is a reminder that no matter how scared you are: speak up, have a voice and keep fighting for justice.” I know this has affected not only my life, my daughter’s life, my family. and amazing friends.

“It’s something I’ll never forget for the rest of my life.

“Now that justice has been served, I can try to move on and look forward to the future with my family, friends and daughter.”

Asked if she felt vindicated by the jury’s decision, she said: “Yes, yes. Thank you”.