In a dramatic turn of events surrounding Conor McGregor’s failed court appeal, the couple at the center of withdrawn perjury allegations have fiercely defended themselves against accusations of lying. Samantha O’Reilly and Stephen Cummins, whose evidence was abruptly withdrawn during McGregor’s appeal process, have publicly insisted on their truthfulness while facing potential legal consequences.
The confrontation with media and serious allegations
When approached by reporters in west Dublin, Samantha O’Reilly and Stephen Cummins responded with evident hostility. O’Reilly, speaking through her window, used strong language to defend her character: “I don’t care what anybody thinks of me. I know what I am.” The confrontation escalated as she labeled journalists as “scum” and threatened legal action against the media outlet.
Cummins similarly refused engagement, stating firmly: “No, I’m not a liar. Just go away will you please.” Their defensive stance comes amid serious legal developments following McGregor’s unsuccessful appeal against a High Court jury’s finding that he raped Nikita Hand at the Beacon Hotel in December 2018.
The couple now faces a two-pronged legal challenge:
- Potential perjury charges as their case has been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions
- A High Court lawsuit filed by Nikita Hand for “malicious abuse of the courts process”
- Possible financial and criminal penalties if found guilty
- Public scrutiny and reputational damage
The penalties for perjury in Ireland vary significantly based on court level. At the District level, offenders face up to one year imprisonment and €4,000 in fines, while higher courts can impose sentences reaching €100,000 in fines and/or 10 years imprisonment—highlighting the serious nature of the allegations against O’Reilly and Cummins.
Withdrawn evidence and judicial criticism
The controversial evidence centered around O’Reilly and Cummins’ claims about witnessing a domestic incident between Nikita Hand and her former partner, Stephen Redmond. O’Reilly had submitted an affidavit claiming she observed “a heated row” between the couple, even suggesting that Redmond had physically assaulted Hand. Cummins similarly testified to hearing “screams and shouts” from Hand’s residence.
Hand categorically rejected these claims as “lies” in her own sworn affidavit, stating: “My ex-partner Stephen Redmond did not assault me on the night of December 9/10, 2018, and never assaulted me in the course of our relationship, or since.” She further denied having any interaction with O’Reilly or Cummins that evening.
In a stunning development during the appeal proceedings, McGregor’s legal team abruptly withdrew this “new evidence” at the final hour. This withdrawal prompted severe criticism from the Court of Appeal, with Judge Brian O’Moore describing it as an “attack” on the jury’s finding and stating:
| Judge’s Statement | Implication |
|---|---|
| “The conduct of Mr. McGregor, in publicly introducing evidence which fundamentally called into question the correctness of the jury’s verdict and the testimony of Ms. Hand which had led to it, only to abandon that evidence when it was about to be tested is behaviour which deserves to be marked by a palpable sign of the court’s displeasure and disapproval.” | Judicial condemnation of the legal strategy employed |
| “Some other factor, upon which this court does not wish to speculate, led to the abrupt decision to scuttle one of the more significant (and certainly the most public) grounds of appeal advanced on behalf of Mr. McGregor.” | Suggestion of undisclosed reasons behind evidence withdrawal |
Legal aftermath and vindication for Nikita Hand
The three-judge Court of Appeal unanimously rejected all five grounds of McGregor’s appeal on July 31, 2025. This decision represents a significant victory for Nikita Hand, who is now entitled to receive legal costs estimated to exceed €2 million, plus the balance of €250,000 in damages awarded by the jury in November 2024.
Following the ruling, Hand addressed the media outside the Four Courts in Dublin, describing how she had been “re-traumatised” by the appeal process: “This appeal has retraumatised me over and over again. Being forced to relive it, what has happened has had a huge impact on me.” She also offered encouragement to other survivors: “For every survivor out there, I know how hard it is but please don’t be silent, you deserve to be heard, you also deserve justice.”
The Court of Appeal’s decision included a noteworthy rejection of James Lawrence’s appeal for costs, with Justice O’Moore highlighting the injustice that would occur if Hand were forced to pay costs to individuals who testified against her:
- The court recognized Hand’s “vindication” through the jury’s belief in her testimony
- Justice O’Moore acknowledged the trial as “one of the most hard-fought trials of recent years”
- The court prevented a scenario where Hand would effectively pay money to “the man who raped her”
- This ruling reinforced the original jury verdict and protected Hand from additional financial burden
As this high-profile case continues to develop, O’Reilly and Cummins remain adamant about their truthfulness despite withdrawing their testimony and facing potential criminal charges. The matter now rests with the Director of Public Prosecutions to determine whether perjury charges will be filed against the couple whose disputed evidence became a pivotal element in McGregor’s failed appeal strategy.
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