McGregor Appeal Controversy Deepens as Perjury Allegations Referred to DPP

 DUBLIN — The legal battle surrounding MMA star Conor McGregor has taken a dramatic turn, with allegations of perjury against two key witnesses now formally referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The development follows the last-minute withdrawal of affidavits by Samantha O’Reilly and her partner Steven Cummins—witnesses McGregor had sought to rely on in his appeal.

The couple, who are currently residing in west Dublin, declined to respond to media inquiries after the Court of Appeal’s decision. When The Irish Mirror visited their residence, blinds were drawn and a message was relayed through an intermediary stating the pair “don’t want to speak to you.” A neighbour reportedly attempted to escort journalists off the property.

The controversy erupted after McGregor’s legal team abruptly retracted the couple’s sworn affidavits at the start of appeal proceedings earlier this week. Intelligence presented in those documents sought to suggest that bruising observed on complainant Nikita Hand may have resulted from a separate domestic altercation following the alleged assault.

However, Ms Hand’s legal counsel, John Gordon SC, strongly refuted the credibility of the affidavits, labelling them as “lies,” and argued that the court should consider criminal proceedings for perjury and subornation of perjury against the witnesses—and potentially against McGregor himself.

Justice Isobel Kennedy, leading a three-judge panel, confirmed that the court intends to refer the matter to the DPP. “We do intend to refer the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions, and in due course, the Court will notify the parties of the documentation we intend to furnish,” she said. The announcement elicited audible gasps from those in attendance, including Ms Hand’s supporters seated in the front row.

When contacted for comment, a spokesperson for Conor McGregor categorically stated, “Mr. McGregor is not the subject of any referral to the DPP by the court.” No further comment was offered, and questions regarding potential future implications for McGregor were declined.

The affidavits in question had claimed that O’Reilly and Cummins witnessed an altercation between Ms Hand and her then partner on the night of December 9, 2018, shortly after the alleged rape. O’Reilly claimed to have seen the incident from her bedroom window across the street, describing the man as pushing, punching, and kicking Ms Hand. Cummins alleged he was awakened by shouting but did not see the incident itself.

These statements were withdrawn on Tuesday morning, reportedly after a consultation between McGregor and his legal team. Barrister Brendan Mullholland KC, representing McGregor, told the court that he could not elaborate on the reasons for withdrawing the evidence, stating only: “That is as far as I can respectfully take that.”

Ms Hand’s legal team insisted the retraction further substantiates their claim that the affidavits were fabricated. Gordon SC requested an apology on behalf of his client, which was not granted.

The legal implications are significant. Perjury, if prosecuted in Ireland’s higher courts, carries penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and/or a €100,000 fine. Typically, such prosecutions are initiated within a year of the alleged offence.

As part of Tuesday’s proceedings, Gordon SC sought to introduce additional documentation which he said supported the perjury allegations. However, McGregor’s legal team objected, claiming the documents should be addressed within any forthcoming criminal proceedings, not during the appeal.

“This is not the appropriate forum,” Mullholland KC argued. “If a criminal investigation is to proceed, then these materials should be addressed there.”

A final ruling on McGregor’s appeal is expected by July, though the Court of Appeal has not specified a deadline for delivering its judgment. Legal observers suggest the DPP referral marks a critical development in what has become one of the most closely watched legal cases involving a high-profile public figure in recent years.