Why Conor McGregor will avoid jail despite losing sexual assault civil case as he's ordered to pay £200k

Conor McGregor will not be doing time despite losing his sexual assault civil case, where he was accused of a 2018 rape in a Dublin hotel. The UFC legend has been tangled up in legal drama for the last fortnight after Nikita Hand claimed he left her "brutally raped and battered" post an event at the Beacon Hotel almost six years back.

A jury found McGregor liable for assaulting Ms. Hand, slapping him with a hefty bill of over £200,000 in damages. Despite the outcome, McGregor won't be behind bars as the trial was civil, not criminal, following Ireland's director of public prosecutions' decision to drop criminal charges.

In Irish civil law, court anonymity isn't guaranteed like in criminal cases. A clearly shaken McGregor, who let out a heavy sigh and held back tears while being comforted by his mum and partner in court, shook his head in disbelief before leaving the courtroom at the trial's close.

READ MORE: Nikita Hand cries and embraces partner as verdict delivered in Conor McGregor civil rape case

McGregor kept mum when leaving the courthouse, while Ms. Hand gave a tearful statement celebrating her victory. The former UFC Featherweight and Lightweight champ has signalled his plan to appeal the ruling, reports the Express.

He declared on X (formerly Twitter): "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."