Conor McGregor told police during questioning that the woman who accused him of raping her “moaned with pleasure” during a “long session” of sex in a hotel, a court heard, as the civil case against him draws to a close .
The MMA fighter read out a pre-prepared statement he had given to gardai when questioned about the alleged rape on January 17, 2019, describing it to the court as “my version of events”.
McGregor, who faces an allegation in the civil suit that he “raped and brutally beat” Nikita Hand, was questioned at Dublin High Court on Thursday.
He claimed in court that he had consensual sex with Ms Hand, 35, in a penthouse apartment at the Beacon Hotel in south Dublin.
The jury heard eight days of evidence and retired today before returning Tuesday to hear closing speeches and the judge’s indictment.
The court previously heard the mother-of-one was left with large bruises and abrasions all over her body, including purple and blue bruises on her hands and wrists, a bloody scratch on her chest and tenderness on her neck after she was allegedly placed in a “strangulation” by Mr. McGregor.
McGregor has denied causing the bruising all over her body, saying they could have been caused when she jumped into the hotel room’s bathtub.
Today, Dr Basil John Farnan, the former chief medical examiner for Northern Ireland, was the latest witness called in the High Court action. They asked him to explain how bruises can appear and how quickly they can appear on the skin.
Conor McGregor, accused in the civil suit of having “raped and brutally beaten” Nikita Hand, was questioned at Dublin High Court on Thursday.
Nikita Hand leaves Dublin High Court on Wednesday. The jury has finished hearing the evidence in the case.
The GP told the court that bruises can be of different sizes and colors and there may be a delay in their appearance.
Dr. Farnan said bruising may appear hours after the trauma or there may be a longer delay.
In addition to Mr. McGregor, Ms. Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, is also suing another man, James Lawrence, for sexual assault on December 9, 2018.
The mother-of-one, who has no automatic right to anonymity, accused McGregor of pinning her to a bed and raping her in a hotel room in south Dublin.
McGregor has denied the allegations and today read out a statement he gave to police about the night in question that contains graphic details.
“It was a long session,” he read. “For example, at one point, she had her legs on my shoulders…then she had her legs around my waist,” he said.
“At different times I remember her saying, ‘F**k me, f**k me,’ to cheer me up,” he read… She moaned with pleasure,” he continued.
After reading the statement, he told Ms Hand’s lawyers: “My story has not changed… Your client’s story has changed several times.
As well as Mr McGregor, Ms Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, is also suing another man, James Lawrence (pictured outside court on November 13), for sexual assault.
John Gordon SC, counsel for Ms Hand, told Mr McGregor that she “repeatedly” said she was scared after the alleged attack. “Okay,” Mr. McGregor responded.
“She said she was worried,” Mr Gordon said. “Okay,” Mr. McGregor responded again.
“I’ll give you an example,” Gordon said, referring to Garda notes recording Ms Hand saying she was “terrified” of the man who allegedly raped her.
‘Why was I terrified?’ Mr. Gordon asked.
Mr. McGregor’s lawyer objected to the question.
Mr. Gordon rephrased the question and then asked, “Was she terrified?”
“There was no sign of distress or fear or anything other than elation, excitement and we had a good night and that is as clear as day from start to finish,” Mr McGregor said, stating that Ms Hand had been “cheerful ‘, excited and having a good time’.
After making his statement to police in 2019, police asked McGregor more than 100 follow-up questions, to which he responded “no comment.”
McGregor repeatedly claimed that he was acting on his lawyer’s advice, adding that he told his story to his lawyers and recounted a series of events.
Conor McGregor said he answered “no comment” to more than 100 questions during police interviews over allegations he raped a woman.
McGregor and his friend James Lawrence have been sued for damages by hairdresser Nikita Hand, 35 (pictured), from Drimnagh, Dublin.
Asked why he responded “no comment” to all questions, McGregor said it was the first time he had been interviewed by gardai and he was “beyond petrified”.
“I would have loved to go to the top of a mountain with a microphone and shout from the tops about the series of accusations,” McGregor added.
He told the court he felt he was co-operative with police during interviews, adding he was “nervous” and it was “alien” to him.
“It’s the first time it’s happened to me in my life,” he continued.
He said he was in court to discuss his case.
“These accusations are false and I have come here, and I have spoken my part and my truth.”
Judge Alex Owens told jurors Friday that they have heard all the evidence from the plaintiff and defense.
The jury of eight women and four men was told they will discuss legal issues raised by the evidence with lawyers for both sides.
They were also told that they would be given an issues document detailing the issues the jury must consider in reaching their decision.
He said 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 would hear closing speeches and the judge’s indictment, before leaving.