Nikita to take witness stand in McGregor appeal today

Accuser will reject fighter's 'new evidence'

- BY PAUL HEALY Crime Correspondent

NIKITA Hand is set to take the witness stand today - as Conor McGregor launches his appeal of a jury's finding that he assaulted her.

Ms Hand is understood to be attending a two-day appeal hearing before the High Court, and will reject “new evidence’ put forward by the UFC fighter.

Former neighbours of Ms Hand, Samantha O'Reilly and Steven Cummins, will give evidence and be cross-examined by her lawyers at the hearing this morning.

The couple claim to have witnessed a row between Ms Hand and her then partner which McGregor claims could have resulted in the severe bruising she sustained on the night she said she was raped by him at the Beacon Hotel in south Dublin in December 2018.

McGregor is also seeking to introduce evidence from the former Northern Ireland state pathologist.