Conor McGregor’s partner Dee Devlin joined him in court on Friday (Image: PA)
The Conor McGregor civil case jury resumed their deliberations earlier today. The discussions picked up again at 10.07am, with the jury requesting a monitor to view CCTV footage in the case.
UFC star McGregor was accompanied by several family members in High Court this morning, including his partner Dee Devlin.
McGregor is embroiled in the lawsuit over allegations that he “brutally raped and battered” Nikita Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, during an incident at a hotel in south Dublin back in December 2018.
The mixed martial arts icon previously testified that he engaged in consensual sex with Ms Hand at the Beacon Hotel’s penthouse. Additionally, Ms Hand is pursuing legal action against another individual, James Lawrence, accusing him of assault.
Conor McGregor with his partner Dee Devlin (left) and his mother (centre) (Image: PA)
After eight intensive days of evidence, alongside three days dedicated to closing arguments and the charges outlined by the judge, the jury – consisting of eight women and four men – commenced their decision-making process at exactly 3.03pm on Thursday.
After the two-week court proceedings, Justice Owens recapped the testimony provided by various figures, including Ms Hand, who does not possess automatic anonymity rights, Mr McGregor, and Mr Lawrence, in addition to contributions from police officers, paramedic staff, psychiatrists, an actuary, Ms Hand’s colleagues, and a former chief forensic medical examiner.
He underscored several key legal concepts, such as the standard of proof in civil litigation, which is based on the balance of probabilities, and highlighted that the burden of proof lies squarely on the plaintiff’s shoulders.
Justice Owens reminded the jury that if they decide to award damages, they must consider several types including general damages, which cover pain and suffering to date and in the future, as well as distress and recognition of vindication.
Nikita Ni Laimhin, who is also known as Nikita Hand, leaving the High Court in Dublin (Image: Niall Carson/PA Wire)
He also mentioned aggravated damages, cautioning them not to double count and to record everything.
Exemplary damages, he explained, are punitive and meant to punish the defendant. Justice Owens advised the jury to remain grounded and use their common sense.
If they reach the point of awarding damages, particularly for loss of earnings, they should deduct 15 per cent from their figure, a practice known as a deduction for contingencies due to the uncertainties of life. In the jury room, they will have an issue paper to record their decisions.
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It poses two questions: did Mr McGregor assault Ms Hand and did Mr Lawrence assault Ms Hand? They must answer yes or no. If both answers are no, then the case ends and Ms Hand loses.
If one or more answers are yes, they proceed to the next stage to determine the damages to be awarded to Ms Hand.
Justice Owens issued a stern warning to the jury, instructing them not to discuss their deliberations with anyone, including family members who might take an interest in the proceedings. His directive to the jurors was to “look at all the evidence”.