Conor McGregor announces next steps after losing civil rape case and being forced to pay £206,000

McGregor denied the allegations and accused Ms Hand of being 'full of lies' in the civil case and claimed they had 'fully consensual sex'.

Ms Hand accused the 36-year-old of 'brutally raping and battering' her and was left with bruises from the assault.

The jury ruled in favour of Ms Hand with McGregor being found to have assaulted her after ending deliberations on Friday afternoon.

McGregor was mobbed by media as he left the court alongside his partner Dee Devlin, but refused to speak before exiting in a vehicle.

However, McGregor has now broken his silence with a statement on social media confirming his plans to appeal the verdict.

"I will be appealing today's decision," he wrote on X.

"The judge's instruction and the modest award given was for assault, not for aggravated or exemplary damages.

"I am disappointed that the jury did not hear all the evidence that the DPP reviewed.

"I am with my family now, focused on my future. Thank you to all my support worldwide."

Ms Hand was in tears as she exited the court alongside her family and friends and issued an emotional statement.

She said: "I would like to start off by saying I'm overwhelmed and touched by the support I have received from everybody.

"First, I want to thank the legal team and my three barristers, John Gordon, Ray Boland and Sean. They have been amazing from start to finish. I want to thank Mr Justice Alexander Owens, the jury, all the witnesses, I want to thank the doctors, nurses and everyone at the sexual assault treatment unit in the Rotunda Hospital for looking after me, especially my own doctor Frank Clarke.

"I want to thank the Rape Crisis Centre, especially Cliona, who has been by my side throughout this entire period. I want to thank all the guards and the ambulance crew. I want to thank all the women and men out there who have supported me throughout this trial.

"For every person who reached out to me a card, a letter, e-mail, everything, it hasn't gone unnoticed. Thank you. I really appreciate it so much.

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"I want to thank my partner Gary, who has been so supportive for the last four years and has held my hand throughout his trial every day and every other day.

"I want to thank my mam and all my family and friends. Lastly, I want to thank my daughter Freya, who I'm most grateful for. She has given me so much strength and courage over the last six years throughout this nightmare to keep on pushing forward for justice.

"I want to show Freya and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself. If something happens to you, no matter who the person is and justice will be served. To all the victims of sexual assault. I hope my story is a reminder that no matter how afraid you might be, speak up. You have a voice and keep on fighting for justice.

"I know this has impacted not only my life, my daughter's, my family and friends tremendously, and it's something that I'll never forget for the rest of my life. But now that justice has been served, I can now try and move on and look forward to the future with my family and friends and daughter."