Below Deck star Nathan Gallagher issued an arrest warrant after allegedly fleeing country
An arrest warrant has been issued for Nathan Gallagher after the reality TV star allegedly fled Australia the day he was scheduled to attend court on domestic violence charges.
The Below Deck Mediterranean star had been expected to appear in Burwood Local Court earlier today (1 September), but was reportedly nowhere to be seen.
Prosecutors suspect the Irish TV personality has since fled the country.
Gallagher was arrested last December for allegedly assaulting a woman at an apartment in Melrose Park, Sydney, on Boxing Day.
Advert
New South Wales Police told PEOPLE in a statement that the 27-year-old had been charged with 'assault occasioning actual bodily harm, intentionally chok[ing a] person without consent, and common assault'.
The memorandum also confirmed that the unnamed victim did not suffer any serious injuries as a result of the incident. The star pleaded not guilty to all three charges and was granted conditional bail.
A court case corresponding with the timeline of the alleged attack named Gallagher as the subject of an Apprehended Violence Application filed on behalf of his co-star, Gael Cameron, with whom he shares a child.
Sharing a statement with Rolling Stone after his arrest hit headlines last month, Gallagher confirmed that he and Cameron had ended their relationship, claiming he doesn't 'believe the public has heard the full story surrounding what happened'.
"What has been publicly reported, however, represents only one side of what was an extremely complicated situation," he continued, insisting he has 'contemporaneous video footage' for the night of his arrest, 'as well as messages and other records, which I believe provide important context and show events that have not been publicly reported'.
A document submitted by police, obtained by Rolling Stone, alleged that Gallagher 'used one hand to cover the mouth and nose of Ms Cameron', who 'tried to pull away, however Gallagher persisted and continued to cover her mouth, causing the victim to be unable to breathe at certain times'.
Gallagher then allegedly elbowed Gallagher in the mouth, before placing 'both of his hands around Ms Cameron’s neck, applying enough pressure which made her unable to breathe'.
"Gallagher used an open palm and struck Ms Cameron on the left side of her jaw, (which) caused pain and swelling," the document goes on claim, alleging the TV star 'used both hands to grip the neck of Ms Cameron' after she broke free, 'and, whilst applying force, lifted her up'.
Judge Janine Lacy said she found the offences 'proven', despite Gallagher 'categorically' denying choking his then-partner.
"The offences themselves are very serious, with significant maximum penalties, in the context of them being domestic violence committed within the home," the judge added.
Issuing his statement last week, Gallagher claimed his 'biggest concern' is the son he shares with Cameron.
"One day he will be old enough to see everything that has been said about his parents, and I don’t want his childhood turned into a public battle," he said.
"My priority is being recognised as his father, establishing a relationship with him and ultimately finding a way for both of us to move forward and co-parent peacefully. I'm not looking for revenge, and not asking anyone to take my side."
Gallagher concluded: "I simply want the opportunity for the other side to be heard and for the evidence to be considered."
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence to the national domestic violence helpline Refuge on 0808 2000 247, available 24/7, or via live chat, available 10am-10pm, Monday to Friday.
Topics: Reality TV, Celebrity, Crime, Australia, TV And Film
Rhianna Benson