The jury’s decision was announced on Friday evening, after two weeks of hearings, reports Sky News.
McGregor, 36, quickly left court without making a statement, but later announced he would appeal the verdict, expressing his disappointment that the jury did not have access to all the evidence previously examined by the Prosecutor’s Office.
Mother-of-one Nikita Hand said after the trial that “justice has been served” and that this verdict gives her hope to move on with her life.
“I hope my story will be an example to other victims of sexual assault, showing that they can speak up and fight for justice, regardless of who is involved,” Hand said.
In the lawsuit, Hand alleged that McGregor sexually assaulted her in a penthouse of the Beacon Hotel in Dublin, claiming she was subjected to acts of physical and sexual violence, including strangulation and repeated violence. She showed evidence of injuries, including bruises and scratches.
Conor McGregor has denied the allegations, saying the sexual relationship was consensual. His legal team claimed the suit was an attempt at “extortion” and cited surveillance footage that allegedly showed Hand and McGregor arriving at the hotel together.
McGregor also pointed out that he had previously had occasional social media interactions with Hand and that she had contacted him prior to the incident.
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The plaintiff also filed suit against a second man, James Lawrence, whom she accused of sexually assaulting her that same evening. However, the jury dismissed the charges against him.
The decision has sparked controversy and will continue to be a topic of interest given McGregor’s intention to appeal.
(source: AFP)
Source: jurnalul.ro
