This report contains details of a sexual nature that some readers may find distressing.

Jurors in Conor McGregor’s civil trial have been told by the judge not to speculate and to only consider reliable evidence.

The MMA fighter, and his friend, James Lawrence of Rafter’s Road, Drimnagh, are being sued for damages by a woman who claims she was raped by the two men in a Dublin hotel. 

Nikita Hand leaving the High Court in the second week of a civil action against Mr McGregor. Photo: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

They both deny the allegations, claiming they had consensual sex with her.

Mr Justice Alex Owens told the jurors they must look at all the evidence, decide which bits they accept and which bits they reject.

He said they must also assess the reliability of witnesses.

He said distress can be taken into account but the further away it is from the event, the less likely it is to stem from the event itself.

He also said someone may not immediately disclose that they’ve been raped; and that the further away the disclosure is, the less valuable it is.

“As time passes,” he said, “there is greater room for embellishment or reconstruction of events.”

“Gaps can be filled in with what he/she thinks might have or must have happened,” he added.

If you have been impacted by rape or sexual assault you can contact the Rape Crisis Centre 24-Hour National Helpline on 1800 77 8888.

Main image shows Conor McGregor. Image by: RollingNews.ie