An arrest warrant has been issued for Nathan Gallagher, a reality television personality known for his role on Below Deck Mediterranean, after he allegedly fled Australia to avoid court proceedings. Gallagher was scheduled to appear before a Sydney judge on Tuesday to face charges related to the alleged assault and choking of his former partner, Gael Cameron.
Prosecutors informed Judge Janine Lacy that Gallagher was believed to be "offshore at this time," preventing the hearing from proceeding. The prosecution recommended that the case be handled in Gallagher's absence, a request granted by the judge. Immigration records confirmed Gallagher was overseas, leading to his conviction in absentia and the issuance of an arrest warrant.
Gallagher, 28, had been out on bail since his arrest on December 27 of the previous year. He was charged with one count each of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault, and intentionally choking a person without consent. The alleged incident occurred on Boxing Day at Ms. Cameron's apartment in Sydney. Following his arrest, he was granted conditional bail, which included restrictions on contacting Ms. Cameron and prohibitions on alcohol and drug use, unless medically prescribed. His passport was not among the conditions of his bail.
Ms. Cameron, 30, who met Gallagher while working on Below Deck Mediterranean, has a one-year-old son with him. The couple's relationship and subsequent breakup were documented on the show. In a statement released after the charges became public, Gallagher stated that the portrayal of events was not "fair" and that he possessed "video footage from the night in question, as well as messages and other records." He also indicated there were "other matters surrounding the relationship" he had not discussed publicly.
Gallagher has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He was reportedly no longer represented by his legal counsel in the weeks leading up to the scheduled court appearance. The charges against him in Australia were not publicly known until a recent article brought them to light.