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

Conor McGregor has said he thought Nikita Hand’s reaction to their encounter six-years ago was one of “elation, excitement and joy”.

Mr McGregor has maintained throughout the trial that they had consensual sex.

During her testimony last week, Ms Hand said she feared she was about to die during the alleged rape.

On The Pat Kenny Show this morning, Newstalk Courts Correspondent Frank Greaney said that during his cross-examination yesterday,  Mr McGregor was asked how he thought Ms Hand perceived their encounter.

“He was told Ms Hand repeatedly told Gardaí that she was frightened,” he said.

“He was asked if he thought that she was frightened and to that he said that, ‘There was no sign of fear in her - just elation, excitement and joy.’

“He said there were no signs of distress at any point, he described her as joyous, excited and having a good time.”

Nikita Hand arrives at the Hight Court for her personal injuries case against Conor McGregor, 06-11-2024. Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews

Mr McGregor also denied wanting his friend, James Lawrence, to take the fall for him in his civil trial for rape. 

James Lawrence of Rafter’s Road, Drimnagh, has also denied an accusation that he sexually assaulted Ms Hand. 

It was put to Mr McGregor that he had been hoping his childhood friend, Mr Lawrence, would be his “patsy” during an interview with Gardaí. 

“[Mr McGregor] asked the Guards if they were sure that she hadn’t had sex with somebody else,” Frank said. 

“Later in his interviews, he told them that he believed that she had sex with his friend James Lawrence after he left the hotel. 

“They were in touch the day after the alleged event at the Beacon Hotel and they’d both been reading articles online, seeing things on social media about a sports star and an alleged rape. 

“Mr McGregor said it was then that James Lawrence told him that he was also with Nikita after Mr McGregor had left the hotel. 

“Conor McGregor was asked if it was in his mind that James Lawrence might be the patsy, that he might take the fall for him. 

“Conor McGregor said that was silly. 

“‘Not an iota,’ he said.” 

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

Mr McGregor and Mr Lawrence are both being represented by the same firm of solicitors. 

When asked if he was paying Mr Lawrence’s legal fees, Mr McGregor replied, “I may have.”

“He was pushed on that,” Frank said. 

“He conceded that it was a possibility, there was some back and forth.” 

After the judge intervened, Mr McGregor replied, “I believe I did.” 

“It was put to him that he had a close involvement in how James Lawrence portrayed himself in all this - he denied that,” Frank said. 

“He said there was no colluding in all of this.”  

The trial continues. 

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