Warm welcome for Supreme Court decision to reject further appeals in Nikita Hand civil action

04 December 2025

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Dublin Rape Crisis Centre warmly welcomes the decision by the Supreme Court today not to grant Conor McGregor and his friend James Lawrence further appeals against the outcome of the Nikita Hand civil rape case.

It thankfully brings to an end the legal process that has been acutely distressing and difficult, revealing the challenging journey survivors of sexual violence must go on to get any form of justice.

Chief Executive of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Rachel Morrogh, said: “We are so pleased for Nikita Hand, who in the face of great adversity was unshakeable in her determination that there be consequences for the harm done to her. There is no more road for this to run - the original judgement stands, and Nikita Hand’s truth is validated once again.

“We are proud to have supported her on this journey and send her our best wishes for continued health and healing as she rebuilds her life with her family and friends.

“We hope that other survivors take courage and hope from Nikita’s case. Our message to them is: No matter what happened to you, when it was, who did it to you or how it happened, please reach out for support. Dublin Rape Crisis Centre runs the National Rape Crisis Helpline and you will be believed, you will be supported and you will begin to heal. When you’re ready to talk, we’re ready to listen on 1800 77 88 88.”

Free, confidential & non-judgmental support for anyone affected by sexual violence is on the 24-hour National Rape Crisis Helpline 1800 778888

/ENDS.

Notes for editors:  

  1. Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is a non-governmental, voluntary organisation which has as its mission to prevent the harm and heal the trauma of rape. It offers a suite of services to victims/survivors of sexual violence. It also offers a wide range of training and education to professionals and volunteers.  
  2. We-Consent is a long-term national programme to inform, educate and engage with all members of our society about consent. More information and resources at https://www.we-consent.ie/
  3. Other DRCC services and work: 
    • DRCC operates the National 24-hour Helpline 1800 778888 to support anyone affected by sexual violence in any part of the country. A webchat support service is available online at drcc.ie Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm. A Helpline Interpreting Service is available for those who do not speak English - more at https://bit.ly/DRCClang
    • For those contacting the Helpline who are deaf or hard of hearing, we provide a text service, operating Mon-Fri from 8am to 6:30pm, at 086-8238443 and we also have a webchat service available Monday-Friday, 10am to 5pm, except holidays, and from 00:00 to 3:00am Tuesdays and Wednesdays .
    • Information on your options after sexual violence is available for free online at any time at drcc.ie/fyw in the Finding Your Way after Sexual Violence guide.
    • DRCC offers counselling & therapy to adult survivors of sexual violence and to older adolescents from 16 years of age with parental/guardian consent.
    • We provide accompaniment support for the Rotunda Sexual Assault Treatment Unit, to court or to Garda stations to people in Dublin and in surrounding areas, by arrangement.   
    • We have outreach offices at Coolock, Dóchas Women’s Centre, Balbriggan & Tallaght. Access to these services must be arranged via the National Helpline 1800 778888 during working hours, Mon-Fri.   
  4. We ask that when reporting on this topic, journalists should remember that discussions on sexual violence can trigger personal trauma in those receiving the information. Where possible, please make reference to the National 24-hour Helpline 1800 77 88 88  for anyone who may be affected by the discussion.