Final Judicial Remarks Precede Jury Deliberation in Conor McGregor Civil Case

The jury in the Conor McGregor trial is anticipated to begin deliberations on Thursday, after the judge concludes his final remarks. Nikita Hand, a woman from Dublin, has accused the mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter of rape, stemming from a Christmas night out in December 2018. Both he and co-defendant James Lawrence deny all allegations. This trial is a civil proceeding taking place in Dublin High Court, following the decision by the director of public prosecutions in Ireland not to pursue criminal charges against Mr McGregor. Ms Hand is seeking financial damages. On Wednesday, the judge informed the jury that it is common for many women who experience rape not to report it immediately. Justice Alex Owens instructed the eight men and four women that a minimum of nine jurors must concur on whether one or both men are to be found liable for assault. In presenting the trial’s evidence, Mr Owens reiterated to the jury that their decision must be based solely on the evidence presented during the trial, rather than on statements made prior to the trial or to gardai (police). He noted that Ms Hand, Mr McGregor, and Mr Lawrence each confirmed consuming alcohol or being intoxicated at the time the alleged incidents occurred. He further stated that most women “are not raped by people who jump out of bushes” but instead by individuals known to them or by family members. Mr Owens explained that rape victims might not report immediately due to numerous reasons. He clarified that distress is not exclusively tied to the event itself, as the aftermath can also contribute to the distress. “Look at all evidence, meaning all the evidence, even if they damaged their own case,” he stated. He also posed the questions: “In looking at the evidence, does a witness have an axe to grind? Or are they holding something back?” “You can’t speculate on what they might have been said if they had been put on the rack in the Tower of London,” he cautioned. The jury, composed of eight men and four women, heard eight days of evidence, which included testimony from Ms Hand, Mr McGregor, and Mr Lawrence, alongside doctors and two paramedics. The Irish sportsman asserts that he engaged in consensual sexual activity with Ms Hand on two occasions at the Beacon Hotel in Dublin. Furthermore, he claimed in court that Ms Hand had sexual relations with his associate and co-defendant Mr Lawrence, a claim Ms Hand denies, stating she never had sex with Mr Lawrence.