GARDAI probing alleged perjury by a couple in Conor McGregor’s civil rape case appeal are poised to recommend charges in a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
It comes after Samantha O’Reilly and Steven Cummins were arrested in west Dublin before 7am today as detectives from the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation swooped.
Samantha O’Reilly and Steven Cummins were arrested in west DublinSocial Media Collect
The pair were former neighbours of Nikita HandCollins Courts
The couple provided sworn affidavits which were to be used as part of Conor McGregor’s bid to overturn a civil jury’s ruling that he raped Nikita HandNiall Carson/PA Wire
They were brought to separate garda stations — Ronanstown and Clondalkin — where they were questioned by detectives trained in high-level interviewing techniques.
The pair, former neighbours of Nikita Hand, swore in affidavits to have seen her then boyfriend assault her at her Drimnagh home on the night of McGregor’s alleged sex attack in December 2018.
Ms Hand denied any altercation with her former partner and the court heard she characterised the claims from Ms O’Reilly and Ms O’Reilly’s partner Steven Cummins as “lies”.
The Irish Sun can reveal that the dossier for the DPP is at an advanced stage before it will be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions once finalised.
Both Ms O’Reilly and Mr Cummins, in their 30s, are understood to strenuously deny all allegations against them.
The couple provided sworn affidavits which were to be used as part of fallen UFC star McGregor’s bid to overturn a civil jury’s ruling that he raped Ms Hand in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.
But when the appeal got underway on July 2, which McGregor would ultimately lose, it was heard that strand of the appeal was being withdrawn before the case went ahead.
The Irish Sun has learned that Ms O’Reilly and Mr Cummins were separately questioned today over the allegation that they were not living in the property across from Ms Hand at the time they claimed they witnessed this attack — something which they have at all times denied.
We also understand they were being quizzed over making the approach to McGregor, 37, prior to swearing the legal documents.
Cops questioned them tonight under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
PROBE AT ADVANCED STAGE
The arrests and questioning of the duo comes after a comprehensive investigation by the NBCI — the country’s major crimes unit — who have been working on the case since early July.
The probe is now at an advanced stage and all matters which detectives deem to be relevant were being put to the couple today.
They were released without charge tonight.
We can reveal that gardai are poised to recommend charges when their finalised file goes to the DPP, who will ultimately decide the course of action.
GARDA STATEMENT
Those charged over perjury and found guilty at District Court level may face a fine and a maximum of 12 months in prison.
In a higher court, the fine can reach €100,000 or up to 10 years in prison, or both.
Today, a Garda spokeswoman said: “Gardai have arrested a male and a female (aged in their 30s) in connection with an ongoing Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation investigation today.
“They are currently detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, at Garda stations in the Dublin area.
“Investigations are ongoing.”
Ms Hand was awarded nearly €250,000 last year after she sued McGregor over the alleged attack at Dublin’s Beacon Hotel in 2018.
He launched an appeal following the case last November.
Ms Hand is suing McGregor again, as well as Ms O’Reilly and Mr Cummins, for damages, something all three deny.
Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
