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

Conor McGregor has told his civil trial that hearing the rape allegations against him left him “frightened beyond belief”.

35-year-old Nikita Hand has taken a civil action against Mr McGregor and one other man, James Lawrence, accusing them of sexually assaulting her in a Dublin hotel in 2018. 

The pair strongly deny the allegation. 

Yesterday, Mr McGregor took the stand for the first time in the trial – telling the jury that Ms Hand was ‘full of lies’.

On the The Pat Kenny Show this morning, Newstalk’s Courts Correspondent Frank Greaney outlined everything the UFC fighter said in his testimony.

He said Mr McGregor told the court that he knew Ms Hand because they were both from the same part of Dublin.

He told the court the pair had previously messaged each other on Instagram and on one occasion, after he posted a photograph of himself on his account, Ms Hand responded privately with a photo of herself.

“He said that she sent a photograph of her in what he described as a ‘nice red jumpsuit,’” said Frank.

“He said that it was slightly provocative, the photograph that she sent him. 

“He said it was a nice picture and that he liked it.” 

One night in December 2018, Mr McGregor said he was out with friends and decided to book a room at the Beacon Hotel.

After he received a “slew of messages” from Ms Hand asking him to come out and join her, Mr McGregor said he directed his driver to the salon where she worked.

When he arrived, he said, Ms Hand and another woman got into the car and the group went to collect James Lawrence - who Mr McGregor had known since childhood.

“When he was asked why they decided to pick up Mr Lawrence, he said the two girls were full of energy and he needed to level out,” Mr Greaney said. 

“He thought James Laurence would be perfect because he also knew Ms Hand. 

“On the way to the hotel, he said it was great fun in the car and everyone was enjoying life.” 

Conor McGregor with his father Tony leaving the High Court. Photo: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

Mr McGregor said that when the group arrived at the hotel’s penthouse suite, Ms Hand jumped into the bathtub with a thud.

He added that drinks were ordered and the group began to play music. 

“While the party was in full swing, he said he and Ms Hand were getting close and they started kissing,” Mr Greaney said.  

“At one point, he said he went into the bathroom in one of the bedrooms in that penthouse suite and he claims that Nikita Hand followed him in. 

“He said he had his zip open and… he went on to say they began kissing again. 

“He described Nikita Hand as very enthusiastic; he said the kissing was a lot more passionate than it had been earlier. 

“He said it took off from there and he claims that at that point, she performed oral sex on him.” 

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

Mr McGregor then told the court that he and Ms Hand took off their clothes and began to have consensual sexual intercourse. 

“They moved to the bed and he said it all progressed very quickly and ended up with them engaging in what he described in front of the jury yesterday as ‘fully consensual sexual intercourse’,” Mr Greaney said. 

“He described the sex as enthusiastic and athletic; he said they went through a multitude of positions and afterwards they just chilled out on the bed and had a drink. 

“He said that he fell asleep.” 

Mr McGregor then claimed that when he woke up a few hours later, Ms Hand propositioned him again and they had consensual sex for a second time. 

Afterwards when he heard Ms Hand’s allegations about him, he said he was “shocked” and “frightened beyond belief”. 

“He described it yesterday to the jury as the most scary thing he had gone through in his whole life,” he said. 

The trial continues today.

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 images shows Conor McGregor. 14/11/2024. Image by: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie