Bench warrant issued as Irish Reality TV star flees Australia before court case
Donegal native Nathan Gallagher failed to appear in court on charges of assault
An Irishman who appears on a reality television show has been convicted in his absence over a domestic violence attack on his former partner and fellow cast member.
Burwood Local Court in Sydney found Nathan Gallagher, a native of Burtonport, Co Donegal, from Below Deck Mediterranean guilty of assault causing actual bodily harm, choking and common assault on Gael Cameron after he failed to appear for a scheduled hearing.
Judge Janine Lacy issued a bench warrant for his arrest on Tuesday, September 1, after being told Australian Border Force had advised police he was no longer in Australia.
Gallagher is now wanted to be brought before the court, which also finalised a two-year apprehended violence order to protect Ms Cameron.
Police charged Gallagher with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, intentionally choking a person without consent and common assault. Officers arrested the 27-year-old at a unit complex on Appleforth Street in Melrose Park on December 27, 2025. Police allege that he assaulted a 29-year-old woman known to him at the same home the day before.
Judge Lacy was satisfied Gallagher knew he was required to attend court before proceeding with the case in his absence.
“I find the offences proven,” she said. “The offences themselves are very serious, with significant maximum penalties, in the context of them being domestic violence committed within the home.”
The judge subsequently issued the bench warrant, allowing police to arrest Gallagher and bring him before the court. The apprehended violence order was also made for two years.
Gallagher and Ms Cameron met while filming the ninth season of the Bravo series and later entered a relationship. Below Deck Mediterranean is an American reality television series, which follows the personal and professional lives of crew members working aboard a luxury superyacht during a charter season.
Gallagher worked in the senior position of bosun on the show, while Ms Cameron was a deckhand and had three years of yachting experience before appearing on the series.
A police document tendered to the court detailed the alleged attack, which followed an argument between the pair.
It states Gallagher used one hand to cover Ms Cameron’s mouth and nose, preventing her from breathing at times: “Gallagher used one hand to cover the mouth and nose of Ms Cameron. Ms Cameron has tried to pull away, however, Gallagher persisted and continued to cover her mouth, causing the victim to be unable to breathe at certain times.”
The document adds that Ms Cameron told Gallagher she could not breathe before Gallagher’s behaviour became more aggressive.
He then allegedly used both hands to cover her mouth and pinned her to the floor as she tried to escape. Ms Cameron struck him in the mouth with her elbow during the struggle.
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“In response, Gallagher placed both of his hands around Ms Cameron’s neck, applying enough pressure which made her unable to breathe,” the police document states. Gallagher used an open palm and struck Ms Cameron on the left side of her jaw, (which) caused pain and swelling.”
Ms Cameron managed to break free and attempted to leave the apartment. The document alleges Gallagher followed her and cornered her inside the bathroom.
“Gallagher used both hands to grip the neck of Ms Cameron and, whilst applying force, lifted her up,” it continues. “Ms Cameron’s legs, however, were not lifted off the floor - Ms Cameron was unable to breathe during this time.”
Police were contacted later. Officers who spoke to Ms Cameron observed bruising “along her legs, arms, neck and left side of the face”. They also noted swelling to her face and lacerations inside her lip “consistent with a blow to the face”. Gallagher had “categorically” denied choking Ms Cameron or covering her mouth.