Conor McGregor sues Sky News claiming reporter called out to him 'you are a rapist'

The alleged defamation is said to have occurred in the immediate aftermath of McGregor being found civilly liable for the assault of Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel room

Conor McGregor (pictured) is awaiting a determination from the Supreme Court over whether it will hear his appeal on all grounds in the Nikita Hand civil case. File photo

Conor McGregor has been granted permission by the High Court to serve legal papers on Sky News for an alleged defamation he claims occurred in the immediate aftermath of his case last year, when he was found civilly liable for the assault of Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel room.

At the High Court on Thursday Paul O'Higgins SC, appearing with Mark Lynam SC for Mr McGregor, successfully applied to Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty to serve plenary summons papers outside of the jurisdiction to intended defendants Sky News UK and Sky News Ltd.