Though Nikita Hand has already won her sexual assault civil court case against Conor McGregor, the process still has several steps left to complete. In the latest update, it was ruled that the UFC star would have to pay some of Hand’s legal costs which are expected to be around €1.5 million.
On Thursday afternoon, High Court judge Mr Justice Alexander Owens ruled that McGregor will have to pay the full cost of his side of the case though Ms Hand will have to pay for her costs for the civil case against James Lawrence who was not found guilty of assaulting her in December 2018. The judge also threatened that there could be a ruling of contempt of court filed against “The Notorious” due to some of the comments he has made on social media.
McGregor posted once the verdict was made official where he threw several accusations towards the court and ruling which have since been deleted. He also claimed that he would be appealing the decision. “The social media post was constructed to be an attack on the jury and cannot be tolerated,” said Mr Justice Owens.
“I haven’t decided on that, but I can if I want to instigate a proceeding against Mr McGregor for contempt of court which could result in a fine. He is a very rich man who could well afford to pay a fine.”
John Gordon SC argued on behalf of Ms Hand that due to McGregor’s conduct throughout the case, the Irishman would have to pay costs at the highest level though he did not make the same statement regarding Mr Lawrence.
“This is precisely what it intended to do. Mr McGregor said he didn’t believe Ms Hand and described the court as a ‘kangaroo court’ and it is a direct insult to the jury and I believe the court should not let this go.”
He believes that Ms Hand should get the full extent of her costs paid for by McGregor with no order for costs on the Lawrence side of the case.
