Conor McGregor has "no more road" for appeal following a decision by the Supreme Court, Newstalk's Frank Greaney has said.
Last year, a jury in a civil court concluded that the MMA fighter assaulted Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel in 2018. Ms Hand was also awarded €250,000 in damages.
McGregor continues to maintain his innocence and lodged an appeal against the verdict. In July, three judges of the Court of Appeal unanimously dismissed the appeal.
The 37 year old then asked the Supreme Court to hear a further appeal - a bid that was rejected yesterday.
“Conor McGregor argued that the trial judge should not have allowed Nikita Hand’s barrister to cross examine him on his ‘no comment’ answer in Garda interviews,” Newstalk’s Court Correspondent Frank Greaney explained to Newstalk Breakfast.
“Conor McGregor was arrested on suspicion of rape; there was a criminal investigation and he exercised his right to silence when he was asked questions in relation to what she claimed happened at the Beacon Hotel.
“I should say, no criminal prosecution was brought against Conor McGregor. Nikita Hand won her case in a civil court - it’s important to point that out.
“In relation to the no comment, he argued that the trial judge ought to have instructed the jury at trial to disregard that evidence entirely.
“But the Supreme Court rejected his arguments. There’s no more road for him to run in terms of appeal avenues.”
Nikita Hand in 2024. Picture by: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie.In a statement, Ms Hand welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision, noting the trial and appeal had been “long and painful” for her.
“Today marks not a victory for me but for all of those who have been treated as I have,” she said.
“You are never alone on your journey, if you choose not to be. Help and support is there.”
If you have been impacted by sexual violence, you can contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre on its 24 hour helpline on 1800 77 8888.
Main image: Conor McGregor leaving the High Court in 2024. Picture by: Photo: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie.
