The Green Post Ireland
Ireland’s Supreme Court has refused to hear a final appeal from former MMA star Conor McGregor, effectively upholding a High Court jury’s finding that he raped Nikita Hand in 2018. The decision brings an end to a lengthy and emotionally exhausting legal battle that has spanned seven years and has already passed through both the High Court and the Court of Appeal.
In a statement issued after the ruling, Ms Hand described the outcome as vindicating and deeply meaningful. She said that the Irish civil justice system had finally allowed her “voice to be heard”—and that today’s outcome was not only a victory for her, but for every survivor who has endured similar trauma while seeking justice.
Supreme Court Says Case Raises No Issue of Public Importance
In November 2024, a High Court jury unanimously found McGregor liable for raping Ms Hand in a Dublin hotel room in December 2018 and awarded her nearly €250,000 in damages. McGregor appealed the verdict on several grounds, the central one being the trial judge’s decision to let the jury hear that he responded “no comment” during garda questioning. McGregor’s legal team argued that this violated his right to silence and should have resulted in the jury being discharged.
Both the Court of Appeal and now the Supreme Court disagreed.
The Supreme Court ruled that:
- The issue did not raise a point of general public importance.
- The trial judge had given clear and sufficient instructions ensuring the jury would not misuse the “no comment” evidence.
- McGregor received a full and fair hearing in the High Court and a full appeal—meaning his rights were upheld.
The justices concluded there was no basis to permit a further appeal and no broader legal question to resolve.
Appeal by McGregor’s Friend Also Rejected
The court also dismissed an application from McGregor’s associate James Lawrence, who had been cleared of assaulting Ms Hand but was denied his legal costs. Both the High Court and Court of Appeal found that:
- His testimony had been rejected by the jury.
- His costs were fully funded by McGregor.
- His conduct justified refusing him a costs award.
The Supreme Court agreed there was no public interest in reopening the matter.
“Never Alone”: Hand Says Outcome Is Part of Her Healing
In her statement, issued through her solicitor David Coleman, Ms Hand expressed gratitude for the support she received throughout the ordeal. She highlighted the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit at the Rotunda, first responders, and her legal team, saying:
“Without you, my life would have been different.”
She described the ruling as a message of hope for other survivors of sexual violence, reminding them that support is available and urging them to use their voice.
Rape Crisis Centre Welcomes Finality
The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre also welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling, noting that it brings closure to “an acutely distressing and difficult legal process” that illustrates the formidable challenges survivors face. CEO Rachel Morrogh said Ms Hand’s truth had been “validated once again” and praised her resolve in pursuing accountability despite profound adversity.
Ms Morrogh encouraged other survivors to find strength in Ms Hand’s journey and to reach out for help. Ireland’s 24-hour national rape crisis helpline remains available at 1800 778888.
With the Supreme Court’s decision, the legal road has definitively ended. The original judgment stands, and Nikita Hand now moves forward with her long-sought vindication.
