A WOMAN who won her rape civil action against UFC fighter Conor McGregor sobbed as she revealed how her young daughter gave her the strength to keep fighting the case.
Nikita Hand, 35, also paid tribute to the Rape Crisis Centre, her partner Gary and her mum after she won her claim against McGregor for damages in a High Court civil case.
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McGregor had faced an accusation that he “brutally raped and battered” Nikita Hand at a hotel in south Dublin 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.
Ms Hand, who is also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, lost her case against another man, James Lawrence, who she accused of assaulting her by allegedly having sex without her consent at the same hotel.
Mum-of-one Nikita, 35, was awarded nearly €250,000 in damages.
And she broke down in tears as she delivered a statement to media assembled outside the High Court thanking all who had supported her.
She said: “I would like to start off by saying I’m overwhelmed and touched by the support I have received from everybody.
“First, I want to thank the legal team and my three barristers, John Gordon, Ray Boland and Sean. They have been amazing from start to finish.
“I want to thank Mr Justice Alexander Owens, all the jury, all the witnesses.
“I want to thank the doctors, nurses and everyone at the Sexual Assault Unit in the Rotunda Hospital for looking after me, especially my own doctor Frank Clarke.
“I want to thank the Rape Crisis Centre, especially Cliona, who has been by my side throughout this entire period. I want to thank all the guards and the ambulance crew.
“I want to thank all the women and men out there who have supported me throughout this, for every person who reached out to me, a card, a letter, email, everything – it hasn’t gone unnoticed. I really appreciate it so much.
“I want to thank my partner Gary, who has been so supportive over the last four years and who has held my hand throughout this, everyday and every other day.
“I want to thank my mam and all my family and friends.”
She added: “Lastly I want to thank my daughter Freya, who I’m most grateful for. She has given me so much strength and courage over the last six years throughout this nightmare, to keep on pushing forward for justice.
“I want to show Freya and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is and justice will be served.”
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Following eight days of evidence and three days listening to closing speeches and the judge’s charge, the jury of eight women and four men spent six hours and 10 minutes deliberating before returning with its verdict.
McGregor shook his head after the jury read out that Ms Hand had won her case against him.
Mr McGregor was accompanied by his family, including his partner Dee Devlin, parents, sister and brother-in-law.
He sat in the back row of the court, between his partner and mother, Margaret.
Ms Hand cried and was hugged by her partner and supporters.
Moments before the jury returned to the courtroom to deliver the verdict, Justice Alexander Owens warned those in the court to remain calm.
Nikita Hand fought back tears and was comforted by her partner as she waited for the jury to return.
McGregor could be heard breathing loudly and heavily as the judge made his way into the courtroom.
“I understand the jury has a verdict,” Justice Owens said.
“I want everyone to remain calm. I want no scenes. Anyone who makes a scene will find themselves in jail.”
He also asked that some people standing in the back of the courtroom to move to the public gallery.
