MMA star Conor McGregor heads to court for melee charges

FILE – Ultimate fighting star Conor McGregor heads to a vehicle to leave Brooklyn Criminal Court, Friday, April 6, 2018 in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

NEW YORK — Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor is due in court for a hearing on charges stemming from a backstage melee that was caught on video.

He’s expected to be joined in Brooklyn on Thursday by friend and co-defendant Cian (KEE’-uhn) Cowley.

Video showed what appeared to be McGregor hurling a hand truck at a bus full of fighters after a news conference for the UFC 223 event at Barclays Center in April. Two fighters hurt by broken glass were unable to compete.

Cowley said on Saturday that he hoped to get the case “out of the way.”

Prosecutors wouldn’t say if they expected a resolution. McGregor’s lawyer didn’t return a message.

Cowley and McGregor have been free on bond. They took a private jet together from Ireland for the hearing.

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