Nikita Hand’s partner was stabbed when masked men invaded home earlier this year, McGregor civil case judge heard

In a civil case, a jury found that Conor McGregor had raped a lady, and the court heard that men wearing balaclavas broke into her home.

In the civil action, the judge heard that the guys had broken into her bedroom and then fled, destroying the property’s windows.

Earlier this year, Nikita Hand’s partner was also stabbed in the incident.

On the first day of Ms. Hand’s case against McGregor and his co-defendant James Lawrence, who she accused of sexually assaulting and raping her in December 2018, the issue was brought up.

It was determined that Mr. Lawrence had not physically abused her.

The legal argument can only be revealed now that the case is over because it was not heard by a jury.

According to plaintiff senior counsel John Gordon, the event happened at Ms. Hand’s house in Drimnagh, Dublin, on June 14 of this year.

It was maintained that since she had to leave her house, it was pertinent to the damages claims.

Mr. Gordon informed Mr. Justice Alexander Owens that on that particular occasion, males wearing balaclavas broke into her house.

According to him, they broke into her bedroom, and the court was informed that her partner was stabbed.

When the gardai were called, the men ran away, smashing the house’s front windows in the process.

“We’re not laying that at the defendants’ feet,” Mr. Gordon stated.

He did, however, claim that it was not an untargeted attack and that McGregor’s followers were responsible.

He made it clear, though, that he was not implying that Lawrence or McGregor were involved.

Mr. Gordon responded that it was pertinent because of Ms. Hand’s worry and the fact that she had to leave the area when Mr. Justice Owens asked if it wasn’t pure conjecture.

For McGregor, Mr. Remi Farrell stated that he believed the plaintiff had admitted that the occurrence, about which we know nothing, had nothing to do with his client.

‘UNPRECEDENTED CLAIM’

It was an unprecedented attempt to smuggle the incident into the case, he said the judge.

He went on to say that the assertion was exceptional and unprecedented.

The evidence was not shown to the jury because Mr. Justice Owens decided it was unrelated to the case and shouldn’t be mentioned.

The incident occurred at the Drimnagh address at approximately 2.20 am on Friday, June 14, according to a garda statement at the time.

LOCAL SUPPORT

The “overwhelming majority” of the community and the nation support Ms. Hand, according to Sinn Fein Councillor Daithi Doolan, who resides in Drimnagh, which is close to McGregor’s hometown of Crumlin.

Prior to moving when her house was broken into in June, Ms. Hand resided in Drimnagh earlier this year.

He praised her as “brave” and expressed his hope that the case’s resolution will provide her with some validation and closure for what he described as a “very traumatic experience for her.”

“We must keep in mind that behind all the publicity and the headline is a woman who has experienced trauma, and I hope that she is able to move on with her life to some extent,” Cllr. Doolan told the Irish Sun.

“I believe that the vast majority of Drimnagh residents—I live there and am a resident—as well as people throughout Ireland are supporting her and are happy that she can, hopefully, go on and cope with that tragedy.

“Because I’m sure the fire going to the DPP and coming back and then her having to take a civil action is very deeply traumatic for herself and her loved ones and I hope they can now get peace.”

‘DEVASTATED’

Ms. Hand claimed throughout the trial that she was “absolutely devastated and let down” when the DPP informed her that McGregor would not face any charges.

Despite her request for a review, the DPP’s ruling was maintained.

After reviewing the file, its director declared that neither man had a realistic chance of being found guilty due to the complexity of the case.

However, Doolan stated: “Clearly, the DPP and the civil case have very different thresholds.

“I would advise the DPP to pursue any available options if there are any. I’m not an expert in law, but. My judgment is limited to the evidence that has been shown to me.

“I am aware that the DPP case differs differently from a civil matter, but that doesn’t change the fact that she received justice. I hope she can deal with that trauma and move on with her life now that she has been vindicated.

HIGHER THRESHOLD

Compared to a civil lawsuit, a criminal case has a higher threshold.

A jury must be persuaded beyond a reasonable doubt in criminal cases, but on the balance of probability in civil cases.

Mother of one Today, Nikita, 35, won her civil lawsuit against McGregor for rape and received a settlement of around $250,000.

After the case, she spoke tearfully as she praised the Rape Crisis Center, her partner Gary, and her mother, and shared how her small daughter gave her the fortitude.

EMOTIONAL MESSAGE

She stated: “I want to begin by expressing how touched and overwhelmed I am by everyone’s support.

“I want to start by thanking my three barristers, John Gordon, Ray Boland, and Sean, as well as the legal staff. They have been outstanding from beginning to end.

“I would want to express my gratitude to Mr. Justice Alexander Owens, the entire jury, and every witness.

“I would want to express my gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and staff at the Rotunda Hospital’s Sexual Assault Unit for taking care of me, especially my own physician, Frank Clarke.

“I want to express my gratitude to Cliona and the Rape Crisis Centre for supporting me during this whole time. I would like to thank the EMS personnel and all of the guards.

“I want to express my gratitude to all the men and women who have helped me along the way. I appreciate every single person who has contacted me—whether it be by email, letter, card, or anything else—because it hasn’t gone ignored. I am truly grateful for it.

I would like to express my gratitude to Gary, my boyfriend, who has been there for me every day and every other day for the past four years.

“I want to thank my mam and all my family and friends.”

DAUGHTER HAILED

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to my daughter Freya, for whom I am most thankful,” she continued. Over the past six years, she has given me the bravery and strength to continue fighting for justice in spite of this horror.

“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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