Conor McGregor in Garda spotlight as UFC star sought over alleged perjury probe

Gardaí investigating alleged perjury in Conor McGregor's civil appeal have been attempting to speak with him after seizing a phone from an associate.

The Irish Mirror has learnt that the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI) has been trying for some time to arrange contact with McGregor - however he has yet to meet with them.

McGregor is presently in California recuperating from a severe knee injury sustained during his bout against Max Holloway at UFC 329 in July.

It is understood the NBCI confiscated a mobile phone from an associate of McGregor as part of their investigation. The associate has been interviewed by detectives and is now also believed to be abroad.

Sources say investigators wish to question McGregor in relation to the probe - and have thus far been unable to do so, reports the Irish Mirror.

It is understood they initially made contact in September of last year and subsequently again in June of this year.

Nevertheless, when approached, Mr McGregor's solicitor Ciaran Mulholland said last night: "Mr McGregor has been out of the jurisdiction since his UFC Las Vegas fight and remains out of the jurisdiction under medical care and advice in California. This office made direct contact with Gardaí last September when this matter was first reported in the media confirming Mr McGregor's willingness to assist Gardaí with their enquiries as a witness."

When asked whether Mr McGregor would now engage with Gardaí following reports that officers attempted to contact him again this June, Mr Mulholland stated: "Mr McGregor is willing to assist Gardai and has offered to do this remotely from the US or upon his return to the jurisdiction when he's medically fit to travel."

Sources indicate that Gardaí are seeking to question McGregor as part of their ongoing investigation into allegations that false statements were submitted during his appeal of a civil ruling that he raped Nikita Hand.

This follows the charging of a couple before Dublin District Court this week with perjury in connection with the case.

Samantha O'Reilly (38), of Cherry Orchard Green, Ballyfermot, faces two counts of providing a statement she knew to be false at Lincoln Lane, Dublin 7, on 14th January and 6th May last year.

Steven Cummins (39), also of Cherry Orchard Green, Ballyfermot, faces a single count of giving a false statement that he knew to be false on 14th January last year.

The court was told that Ms O'Reilly was arrested at 9:40am on Tuesday at Cherry Orchard Green and taken to Ballyfermot Garda station, where she was subsequently charged.

Detective Sergeant Maria Cassells of the Garda NBCI confirmed that Ms O'Reilly made no reply when charged after caution.

Gardaí raised no objections to bail.

Ms O'Reilly informed the court she wished to be represented by solicitor Tony Colier, however he was absent owing to the ongoing strike. She informed the court that she was currently unemployed and wished to address the matter once the solicitor's strike had been resolved.

Judge Michele Finan granted the accused bail on the condition that she sign on weekly at Ballyfermot Garda Station between 9am and 9pm.

Ms O'Reilly must also remain contactable on a mobile phone and have no contact with any witnesses in the case.

The case was adjourned for a further six weeks and is scheduled to return on November 9.

Detective Garda Padraig Hanley confirmed that he arrested Mr Cummins at a Cherry Orchard address in Ballyfermot at 9:45am.

The accused was subsequently taken to Ballyfermot Garda Station, where he made no reply after caution, the detective added.

Judge Finan agreed to grant the accused bail on the condition that he sign on daily at Ballyfermot Garda Station, remain contactable to gardaí around the clock, and have no contact with any witnesses involved in the case.

Mr Cummins, who expressed his wish to be represented by Mr Colier, confirmed to the Judge that he understood the conditions imposed upon him.

His case was likewise adjourned until November 9.