Conor McGregor appears in court to face rape charges in 2018

Irish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor is facing serious charges at Dublin High Court, where he is accused of raping a woman in a Dublin hotel.

Nikita Ni Laimhin has filed a civil damages claim against McGregor and another man, James Lawrence, alleging she was sexually assaulted by the two men in 2018.

On Tuesday, November 5, Conor McGregor, known in the fighting world as ‘Notorious’, appeared in court.

Conor McGregor is attempting to commit extortion over 2018 sexual assault claims

During Tuesday’s proceedings, McGregor’s legal team argued that Ni Laimhin, who does not have an automatic right to anonymity in the case, is attempting extortion. Daily mail. McGregor was present in court when Judge Alexander Owens informed the jury of the charges and stated that the attack allegedly occurred on December 9, 2018.

Ni Laimhin lived in the Dublin suburb of Drimnagh at the time with her partner and seven-year-old daughter. She had spent the evening of the alleged incident with friends.

As the night wore on, Ni Laimhin and two friends returned to her salon to keep the party going, and at one point she contacted McGregor, who her lawyer John Gordon SC said knew her and was of a similar nature. age, from the same community and have common friends.

He also noted that the two had contacted at various times on social media and that McGregor, ‘hugely famous’ and seen as a ‘hero’ in Drimnagh, had significant influence in the area.

Woman accuses Conor McGregor and James Lawrence of sexual abuse

The court heard that McGregor allegedly picked up Ni Laimhin, a hairdresser from Dublin, and her friend after a Christmas party on December 8. While sitting in the back with the two women, McGregor’s driver occasionally took them on a circuitous route through local residential areas. toot the horn.

The group, which included Ni Laimhin, McGregor, his security team and others, eventually headed to a penthouse suite at the Beacon Hotel in Dublin, where they spent time together drinking and laughing.

According to statements in court, Mr McGregor later entered a bedroom and gestured for Ni Laimhin to follow him. Once inside, Ni Laimhin claims McGregor “came into her” but she was not interested in sexual activity because she was on her period.

Conor McGregor allegedly pinned the victim to the bed

John Gordon SC told the court she claimed McGregor then pinned her to the bed, insisting she was no physical match for the fighter.

“She will tell you that she was nervous, that she tried to push him away but was completely unsuccessful,” he added. “You will see pictures of her hands and wrists, which are black and blue. You will see that her left breast has a bloody scratch.”

He added: ‘The scratch is there because she was wearing a watch and had her hands up to protect herself. She was pressed and the watch left scars on her chest.”

Victim says she was ‘locked up’ and couldn’t breathe

According to the claims, McGregor then turns her around, puts her arm in a lock and pulls her up by the neck. She can’t breathe. And he does it again.

“By the third time he does it, she gives up. She can’t resist this anymore. During this he says, ‘Now you know what it was like to be in the Octagon when I went down three times, her lawyer said in court. “She was completely terrified at that moment. She subjected herself to what was about to happen, which was a violent and brutal attack.”

It was later alleged that Ni Laimhin had sex with Lawrence, although her lawyer, John Gordon SC, stated that she had no recollection of such an event taking place.

Gordon later clarified that his client “doesn’t pretend to be an angel,” and acknowledged that she had been drinking and using cocaine that night. The court also heard that Ni Laimhin had a history of depression and was taking antidepressants.

Victim visited the hospital after the alleged incident

After returning home, Ni Laimhin visited her mother, who then called 911. Ni Laimhin was then taken to hospital by ambulance. The court heard she was visibly shaking and in pain during the transfer.

“In light of this, Mr McGregor will tell you that this was a consensual encounter, that they were just having fun and having a bit of rough sex. That is his answer,” Gordon told the court. “What did I say about common sense? Don’t be fooled by leaving it in this (court)room.”

“What he is saying is that she gave him permission to carry out a brutal attack on her body,” he added.

The procedure is expected to take approximately two weeks.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) or a local rape crisis center.