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

Today, after eight days of evidence, the jury will begin its deliberations in the civil trial of Conor McGregor and James Lawrence. 

Nikita Hand, a 35-year-old hair colourist, alleges that the MMA fighter raped her in the Beacon Hotel in Dublin in December 2018 - a claim Mr McGregor strongly denies. 

Mr McGregor’s childhood friend, James Lawrence of Rafter’s Road, Drimnagh, has also been accused of sexually assaulting Ms Hand - something he too denies. 

Today is the legal teams’ final chance to influence the decision of the jury and on Newstalk Breakfast, Courts Correspondent Frank Greaney explained what is at stake. 

“Closing speeches are due to begin today,” he said. 

“Nikita Hand’s barrister is likely to go first, followed then by the defence barristers. 

“I should say that closing speeches are not evidence - the jury will be told that. 

“They will simply be a final opportunity for the lawyers to address the jurors before they begin the deliberations.

“All of the witness testimony, the medical evidence, the CCTV footage and all of the other exhibits have been presented to the jurors.

“The barristers will now be able to give their opinions on that evidence, to put their clients’ case essentially, based on that evidence - which the jury is then free to accept or reject.” 

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

At that point, the judge will then address the jury, summarising the evidence and certain points of law. 

“This is called the judge’s charge,” Frank said. 

“Aside from summing up all of the evidence that has been heard over the course of the past eight days of court time, the judge will also direct the jurors in relation to the relevant law and all of the legal principles that they must follow when they eventually begin their deliberations.” 

As the trial is civil, not criminal, the judge will not impose a custodial sentence if one or both of the men are found guilty. 

“That’s where the real difference lies between civil and criminal jury trials,” Frank said. 

“Unlike a criminal trial, the jurors in this case won’t be asked to consider whether or not the two men are guilty of any criminal wrongdoing. 

“Of course, we know Conor McGregor and James Lawrence are not facing criminal charges; we know the Director of Public Prosecutions decided not to bring criminal charges against either man. 

“Instead, the jurors will be asked to answer a number of questions based on the evidence they have heard. 

“The exact wording of those questions has not yet been given to the jury - but that will be done in due course.” 

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

If the jury decides that one or both of the two men has wronged Ms Hand, she will instead be awarded damages. 

“In the opening day of this trial, Nikita Hand’s barrister told the jurors that his client was seeking €750,000 for rehousing and €1 million in loss of earnings,” Frank said. 

“Before the alleged rape at the Beacon Hotel in Dublin back in December 2018, we know that Nikita Hand was working as a part-time hair colourist at a salon in Goatstown in Dublin.

"She earned €400 per week before tax - plus tips, which she said was approximately €100 or so per week - she said she would have expected to double that.” 

Another key difference between a civil and a criminal trial is that the burden of proof for the prosecution is lower. 

“This case must be proved on the balance of probability, not beyond reasonable doubt,” Frank said. 

“In a civil case, when you look at two different versions of a story, you must ask yourself which evidence is more likely to be correct. 

“All of that will be explained to the jurors.” 

The jury are not expected to reach their verdict 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 image shows a split of Conor McGregor and Nikita Hand. November 2024. Pictures by RollingNews.ie