Irish Police probe Perjury Allegations in Conor McGregor Civil Appeal Case
DUBLIN – August 17, 2025
Irish authorities are actively investigating potential perjury lodged in sworn affidavits related to the civil court appeal of former MMA fighter Conor McGregor. The focus of the inquiry by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal investigation (NBCI) centers on the testimonies of Steven Cummins and Samantha O’Reilly.
These witnesses were slated to provide evidence in McGregor’s appeal against a previous civil verdict. This verdict found the fighter liable for assault and ordered him to pay damages to Nikita Hand, who accused McGregor of rape in a Dublin hotel penthouse on December 9, 2018.McGregor has consistently denied the allegation, asserting the encounter was consensual.
Questions Surrounding Witness Testimony
A key line of inquiry for investigators is whether Mr. Cummins and Ms. O’Reilly were actually residing at the Drimnagh address they cited when they claimed to have witnessed Hand being assaulted by her former partner on the night of the alleged incident.The couple had previously rented a property directly across from Hand’s residence.
When approached for comment by the Irish Mail on Sunday, Ms. O’Reilly reportedly responded by throwing a basin of water at a reporter and refusing to answer direct questions about their whereabouts. She stated, “I do not wont to be answering any questions and I do not want to be harassed.”
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Investigating Body | Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI) |
| Allegation | Perjury and subornation of perjury |
| Witnesses in Question | Steven Cummins and Samantha O’Reilly |
| Alleged Incident Date | December 9, 2018 |
| Legal Context | Conor McGregor’s civil appeal against assault conviction |
Dramatic Withdrawal of Evidence
The planned testimony from Mr. Cummins and Ms. O’Reilly was unexpectedly withdrawn on the morning the appeal hearing was scheduled to commence. ms. Hand’s legal team had raised concerns about suspected perjury and the potential ‘subornation of perjury’ by McGregor. The Court of Appeal noted the submission’s abandonment occurred under “somewhat mysterious” circumstances without a clear description, afterward awarding Hand costs at the highest level.
Judge Brian O’Moore indicated that McGregor’s withdrawal of the application could be interpreted as an acknowledgment that Hand’s claims were correct and that the “new evidence” had caused significant distress.This legal battle has been described as one of the most hard-fought trials in recent years.
Did You Know? Lodging a false affidavit is a serious offense in Ireland,punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a €100,000 fine under the Perjury Act 2021.
Nikita Hand’s Resilience and Call for Justice
Following the failed appeal, Ms. Hand shared her experience, stating, “This appeal has retraumatised me over and over again, being forced to relive it.” She extended a message of support to other survivors,urging them not to be silenced and to seek justice. “You deserve to be heard. You also deserve justice,” Hand stated.
Pro Tip: In legal proceedings, the integrity of witness testimony is paramount. any indication of false statements can lead to severe consequences, including criminal charges for perjury.
Legal Repercussions and Public scrutiny
The Court of Appeal forwarded the affidavits of Mr. Cummins and Ms.O’Reilly to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) after concerns were raised by Hand’s lawyers. The NBCI confirmed it is investigating the perjury allegations. The previous civil judgment ordered McGregor to pay £206,000 in damages, plus legal costs, to Nikita Hand.
This ongoing investigation adds another layer of scrutiny to the high-profile case, highlighting the legal system’s commitment to upholding truthfulness in court proceedings.
Understanding Perjury and Its Impact
Perjury, the offense of willfully telling an untruth or making a material misstatement while under oath, undermines the foundational principles of justice. In civil and criminal cases alike, the reliability of testimony is crucial for fair adjudication.The legal ramifications for perjury are severe,serving as a deterrent against false witness. This case underscores the importance of due diligence in verifying witness accounts and the potential consequences when these are found to be deliberately misleading.
the legal system relies heavily on the honesty of individuals providing evidence. when that honesty is questioned, as in the ongoing investigation into the McGregor case, it can have far-reaching implications, including the potential invalidation of evidence and criminal charges for those involved.
Frequently Asked Questions About Perjury Allegations in the mcgregor Case
- What are the main allegations being investigated by Irish police regarding Conor mcgregor’s civil appeal?
- who are the witnesses whose statements are under scrutiny for suspected perjury?
- What is the potential penalty for perjury in Ireland according to the Perjury Act 2021?
- Why was the evidence from Steven Cummins and Samantha O’Reilly withdrawn from the appeal hearing?
- What was the outcome of the initial civil court case involving Conor McGregor and Nikita Hand?
- how does the investigation into perjury affect the ongoing legal proceedings?
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