All evidence in Conor McGregor rape case put before jury

By Cate McCurry, PA

All the evidence in a civil case against Irish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor has been put before the jury.

Mr McGregor is facing an accusation in the civil action that he “brutally raped and battered” Nikita Hand at a hotel in south Dublin in December 2018.

The Irish sports star has 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, is also suing another man, James Lawrence, for sexual assault.

Dr Basil John Farnan, former principal forensic medical officer for Northern Ireland and a GP, was the final witness called in the High Court action.

The jury has heard eight days of evidence.

Dr Farnan was asked to explain how bruising can come about and how quickly it can appear on the skin.

He told the court that bruising can be different in size and colour and that there can be a delay in its appearance.

Dr Farnan said that bruises can appear hours after the trauma, or there can be a longer delay.

The court previously heard that the mother-of-one was left with extensive bruises and abrasions over her body, including purple and blue bruising along her hands and wrists, a bloodied scratch on her breast and tenderness on her neck after she was allegedly placed in a “choke-hold” by Mr McGregor.

Mr McGregor has denied that he caused the bruising across her body, saying they could have been caused when she “swan dived” into the bath in the hotel room.

Dr Farnan was also asked about women having sex while using a tampon.

He said that it was not a question he had been asked, and it would have been a “peculiar” question.

The court was previously told that Ms Hand had been using a tampon on the night she was allegedly assaulted.

Dr Daniel Kane, a gynaecologist and forensic examiner in sexual assault cases, previously said he had to use forceps to remove the tampon, which had been “wedged inside”, the day after the alleged assault.

Mr Justice Alex Owens told the jury on Friday that they have now heard all the evidence from the plaintiff and defence.

The jury of eight women and four men were told he will discuss legal issues that have arisen from the evidence with counsel on both sides.

They were also told that an issue paper, outlining the issues that the jury must consider in reaching its decision, will be given to them.

He said that they are the decision-makers and their role is to evaluate all the facts and come to a conclusion.

They were told to return on Tuesday, when they will hear closing speeches and the judge’s charge, before retiring.

The jury was told not to Google or carry out their own research in relation to the case, that they are not entitled to consult law books or look up the meaning of an assault or special damages.

“Stay well away from that. I will explain that to you,” he said.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help.