Conor McGregor breaks silence after Nikita Hand wins her High Court case against him

Conor McGregor will appeal the decision to award a woman more than £200,000 after the UFC star was found liable of assaulting her in a hotel.

Nikita Hand, who accused the sportsman of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018, won her claim against him for damages in a High Court civil case.

Following eight days of evidence and three days listening to closing speeches and the judge’s charge, the jury of eight women and four men spent six hours and 10 minutes deliberating before returning with its verdict.

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McGregor shook his head after the jury read out that Ms Hand had won her case against him before declining to comment as he left court. But he took to social media to say: "I will be appealing today's decision."

"The judge's instruction and the modest award given was for assault, not for aggravated or exemplary damages. I am disappointed that the jury did not hear all the evidence that the DPP reviewed. "

"I am with my family now, focused on my future. Thank you to all my support worldwide."

Speaking outside court, Ms Hand said: “I hope my story is a reminder that no matter how afraid you might be – speak up, you have a voice and keep on fighting for justice.

"I know this has impacted not only my life, my daughter’s, my family and friends tremendously. It’s something that I’ll never forget for the rest of my life. "

Now that justice has been served, I can now try and move on and look forward to the future with my family and friends and daughter."

Asked if she felt vindicated following the jury’s decision, she said: “Yes, I do. Thank you.”