This Friday, UFC megastar Conor McGregor has been found guilty of sexual assault by a High Court jury in Dublin. As we previously reported, the case centered around allegations made by Nikita Hand, a 35-year-old mother, who claimed that McGregor assaulted her during an incident at the Beacon Hotel back on December 9, 2018.
As the jury deliberated for over six hours, the tension in the courtroom was palpable. Hand recounted a harrowing experience, asserting that McGregor “would not take no for an answer.” She detailed injuries that included extensive bruising on her hands and wrists, a bloodied scratch on her breast, and tenderness around her neck. The imagery painted a troubling picture that contrasted with McGregor’s defense, which insisted that the encounter was “athletic” and “fully-consensual.”
McGregor was present in court surrounded by a solid wall of support from family and friends. Partner Dee Devlin, mother Margaret, and sister Aoife McGregor were all present, providing a comforting presence as he faced the jury. Witnesses noted how McGregor breathed deeply, seemingly bracing himself for the verdict as his loved ones held his hands tightly.
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The jury’s decision was ultimately one of conviction, and McGregor is now liable to pay over $200,00” in damages to Hand. His legal team had previously labeled the claims as an attempt at “extortion,” but the jury’s findings suggest that the evidence presented was compelling enough to sway their judgment.
In a separate but related note, the jury cleared another individual, James Lawrence, of assaulting Hand.
As the dust begins to settle, McGregor’s future remains uncertain. Will he bounce back like the fighter he’s known to be, or will this verdict reshape not just his career, but his legacy? Only time will tell, but for now, let us know your thoughts on this in the comment box below!
