Irish mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor has been ordered to pay approximately $1.64 million in legal costs following a civil case brought by Nikita Hand in Dublin, according to a judge’s ruling.
This ruling adds to the approximately $273,000 in damages McGregor was ordered to pay last month after a jury found he had assaulted Hand at a Dublin hotel following a Christmas party in 2018.
Justice Alexander Owens determined that Hand should not be responsible for the costs incurred by McGregor’s co-defendant, James Lawrence, who was found not to have assaulted the Dublin-based hair colourist. Lawrence, a longtime friend of McGregor’s, had filed a joint defence with him, which the judge described as operating “in lock step” with each other.
Had the ruling been different, Hand could have been liable for roughly $437,000 in legal costs, potentially undermining her victory from last month.
“It is completely inappropriate to award Mr Lawrence any part of his costs even though he succeeded in his defence against Ms Hand,” Justice Owens stated.
Hand’s legal team argued that Lawrence had fabricated a story about consensual relations to portray her as a “hussy.” The court heard evidence that Hand had sustained moderate to severe bruises and continues to experience PTSD, including night terrors, panic attacks, and anxiety.
The judge noted that he hasn’t made a final decision regarding McGregor’s social media posts following the trial, in which the athlete complained about being tried in a “kangaroo court.” The judge indicated he may consider contempt of court proceedings.
McGregor’s barrister, Remy Farrell, indicated that an appeal was “highly likely.”
The case is scheduled for further discussion at a hearing on January 16.
