Nikita Hand reveals why she knew she would win sexual assault case agaimst Conor McGregor
Sexual assault victim Nikita Hand yesterday said she expected to win her civil action against MMA fighter Conor McGregor because she was telling the 'truth from day one'.
In an exclusive interview with the Irish Mail on Sunday, Ms Hand said the result means her young daughter does not have to grow up in a world where she has to ‘shut up and say nothing’.
Asked how she felt the day after her marathon court case – which attracted global media attention – she admitted: ‘I am just exhausted, to be honest with you, I’m just really tired,’ adding that she is ‘just trying to kind of take it day-by-day now’.
The 35-year-old hair colourist said she has been inundated with supportive calls, texts, emails and messages after a civil trial jury award her damages against McGregor.
‘I’m just very overwhelmed with the support as well, now, that I have received.’
Asked if she expected to win the case, she replied: ‘To win? Yeah, yes, yes. Yes, because my story is true. I always believed in my heart that I would [win].’
Referring to the decision of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) not to proceed with a criminal trial, she added: ‘Obviously with the DPP, that didn’t work out, but yeah, I always felt like I was gonna win because I was telling the truth from day one, you know.’
McGregor yesterday indicated he intends to appeal the decision.
Responding to media reporting of Ms Hand’s comments outside the court on Friday when she declared ‘justice has been served’, McGregor wrote on X: ‘Justice was served for James Lawrence, yes!’ In reference to his co-accused, who was cleared of assault. ‘Nikita Hand, vicious liar! APPEAL!’
In another post, he wrote: ‘Falsely accused a man of rape and lost.’
Yesterday he continued to post using inflamatory language: ‘This is not a court of hard evidence and truth. It is a kangaroo court of opinions and feelings. We are not done yet. Not by a long shot. No chance. On we fight!
Justice and truth will prevail! Appeal! Appeal! Appeal! As well as other. Congrats James! Onwards and upwards!’
Mr Lawrence also posted online: ‘She is now fully liable for all my legal fees and I will be suing [her] for damages.’
