Conor McGregor Admits to Cocaine Use on Night of Alleged Rape

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In a high-profile civil trial at the Dublin High Court, Irish MMA fighter Conor McGregor faces allegations of rape from Dublin woman Nikita Hand, stemming from an incident in December 2018. McGregor, who denies the allegations, admitted in court to using cocaine on the night in question. When questioned by John Gordon SC, McGregor confirmed that cocaine was present in his car, where he, the alleged victim, and another witness were located. During a previous police interview following the alleged incident, McGregor invoked his right to silence, responding "no comment" to over 100 questions under the guidance of his lawyer, citing feelings of "shock and fear."

 

The incident came to light after Hand accused McGregor of rape following a Christmas outing. While the Director of Public Prosecutions in Ireland declined to pursue criminal charges, Hand filed a civil case against McGregor in Dublin's High Court. During his January 2019 interview at Dundrum Garda Station, McGregor provided a prepared statement through his solicitor but refused to answer most questions directly, including whether he and Hand shared the same Crumlin neighborhood. The court reminded the jury of McGregor’s legal right to refrain from commenting, emphasizing that no inference could be drawn from his silence.

 

Addressing his terse written statement, McGregor defended his approach, stating, “I would have loved to go to the top of the mountain with a microphone and shout from the hilltops, but because of the seriousness of the allegation I went to my lawyer and took their advice.” McGregor explained that he had been “beyond petrified” during his initial interview, as this situation was unprecedented for him. He said, “I feel I was as good, as cooperative; I took their advice, I put myself in their hands. This is alien to me; it’s the first time anything like that has ever happened to me in my life.” In his testimony, McGregor maintained his innocence, insisting, “These allegations are false. I’m here to say my piece and my truth. These allegations are lies, they’re false.”

 

McGregor contends that he and Hand engaged in consensual sex twice, a claim she disputes, stating that he raped her. Furthermore, McGregor claims Hand also had consensual sex with his associate and co-defendant, James Lawrence, who is implicated in the case. Lawrence confirmed in his testimony that he had sex with Hand consensually on two occasions after McGregor had left the hotel room. Lawrence described Hand as flirtatious and willing, adding that she only expressed concern over a small bruise and how she would explain it to her boyfriend. Hand, however, asserts that she has no recollection of sexual relations with Lawrence, recalling only that she confided in him about her alleged assault by McGregor and became distressed as a result.

 

When questioned about the level of distress Hand might have experienced, McGregor denied observing any signs of fear or discomfort, describing her demeanor as “enjoyment, elation, and excitement.” He further claimed that during their encounter, she was not wearing a tampon. However, gynecological assessments presented by the plaintiff’s legal team revealed that medical professionals had to use forceps to remove a tampon from Hand following the alleged incident. When asked how the tampon could have been present, McGregor responded, “Not with me.” 

 

Additionally, a paramedic who examined Hand shortly after the incident testified that she observed extensive bruising on Hand, which she described as unusually severe. Addressing whether he financially supported Lawrence's legal representation, McGregor acknowledged, "I believe I did."

Under cross-examination, Lawrence denied any complicity or attempt to act as a “fall guy” for McGregor, responding, “Not in a million years.” He emphasized that with six sisters and numerous nieces, he would never support such actions if they were true. 

 

In Irish civil cases, as opposed to criminal proceedings, both the complainant and the accused are publicly named, with neither party entitled to automatic anonymity. The case continues in Dublin’s High Court, with the outcome remaining to be decided by the jury based on the evidence presented.

 

Based on a report by BBC 2024-11-16

 

 

 

[john donson]

cctv her leaving the room in distress?