NIKITA HAND HAS said that she can “finally move on” after the Court of Appeal dismissed Conor McGregor’s appeal against a civil jury finding that he raped her. 

In November last year, McGregor was deemed liable for sexually assaulting Hand in the Beacon Hotel on 9 December 2018, with the jury in the case awarding Hand over €248,000 in damages.

McGregor subsequently appealed this decision, but this was today dismissed by the three-judge Court of Appeal. 

Speaking outside court following the ruling, Hand thanked her legal team, the Rape Crisis Centre and the three judges - Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, Mr Justice Brian O’Moore and Mr Justice Michael MacGrath – who delivered the decision today. 

“I’m also deeply grateful for everyone who supported me, those who believed in me and stood by my side through this long and painful journey,” she said. 

“This appeal has retraumatised me over and over again, being forced to relive it. What happened has had a huge impact on me.”

To every survivor out there, I know how hard it is, but please don’t be silenced. You deserve to be heard. You also deserve justice.

“Today I can finally move on and try to heal,” she added. 

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has welcomed today’s judgement. 

“We hope the Court’s judgement closes the door on a protracted, traumatic and challenging road for Nikita Hand that was marked by attempts to discredit her, obfuscate the truth and derail her determination to seek justice,” CEO Rachel Morrogh said. 

Related Reads

Conor McGregor loses appeal over civil jury finding that he raped Nikita Hand

Withdrawal of 'fresh evidence' meant Nikita Hand never got to address claims against her in court

Court of Appeal to refer Conor McGregor's withdrawal of 'fresh evidence' to DPP

“We see the defendant for what he is – another guy using tactics from an age-old perpetrator-playbook in an attempt to avoid judgment and culpability. But while he will undoubtedly be rehabilitated by brands and associates who will overlook what he has done, a stain will always remain – the truth that Nikita Hand fought for.”

Morrogh said the DRCC saw “a significant increase” in first-time callers to the 24-hour National Rape Crisis Helpline as a result of the trial last November, “and we anticipate that there will be an outpouring of public support now too”. 

She said she is hopeful that lessons and reforms arise from this case, including “a more victim-centred civil and criminal justice system and a shift in the public’s attitudes towards victims of sexual violence”. 

Nikita’s encouragement of other survivors and her understanding for their experience has left a lasting and inspiring impression.

“We are proud to have supported her in her pursuit of justice -  we at Dublin Rape Crisis Centre send our best wishes to Nikita, her partner, her daughter and wider family and friend group for a hopeful future.”

If this article has impacted you, the National Rape Crisis Helpline is open 24 hours a day for people who have been affected by sexual violence. Tel: 1800 77 88 88