A well-known Bondi Rescue lifeguard is seeking to appeal his sentence after being found guilty of domestic violence common assault. Andrew Brian Reid, widely recognised as “Reidy” from the hit reality TV series, was sentenced to a 12-month good behaviour bond after an incident involving a woman in January 2024.
In December 2024, Mr Reid was found guilty of placing his hands around a woman’s neck and pushing her. The hearing revealed that there was a heated argument before Mr Reid forcefully held the woman’s neck for up to five seconds.
During a counselling session following the incident, Mr Reid reportedly admitted that he had acted in a fit of alcoholic rage, acknowledging that his actions were inappropriate. His counsellor’s notes in court recorded him saying he is not that kind of man while visibly upset.
Despite avoiding conviction, Mr Reid was placed under a 12-month good behaviour bond and remains subject to a two-year apprehended violence order (AVO).

Courtroom Dispute: Defence vs. Prosecution
Mr Reid’s defence team, led by barrister Margaret Cunneen SC, contested the credibility of the counsellor’s notes, arguing that they were recorded after the session rather than during it. However, the police prosecutor countered that the notes were written shortly after the session and aligned with the complainant’s testimony.
During the trial, Mr Reid defended himself by stating that he had taken the woman’s phone and, as she rushed toward him to retrieve it, he had merely “guided” her toward a bed with a hand on her neck. The prosecution rejected this explanation, maintaining that the victim’s testimony was credible and consistent.
Additional Allegations and Character Witnesses
Mr Reid also faced allegations of:
- Biting the woman’s upper arm, leaving visible teeth marks.
- Throwing a phone at her leg, causing a gash that required surgical glue.
However, these additional assault occasioning actual bodily harm charges were dismissed due to insufficient evidence proving deliberate intent.
Several of Mr Reid’s colleagues provided character references during the hearing, including former Bondi Rescue star Quinn Darragh and current lifeguard Ryan Clark, who is also a former Home and Away actor and a White Ribbon ambassador against violence towards women.
Mr Clark stated that he remains “an advocate for women’s rights” but did not believe the audio recording of Mr Reid arguing with the woman amounted to domestic violence. However, the magistrate disagreed, citing the “angry, abusive, and aggressive” nature of the recording.

Next Steps: Mr Reid’s Legal Appeal
Mr Reid has formally appealed his sentence, with the case set to be mentioned in the NSW District Court in February 2025. His employment status with Waverley Council, which oversees Bondi Beach lifeguards, remains unclear, as the authorities have refused to confirm or comment on his position.
As legal proceedings continue, Mr Reid remains under the two-year AVO, and the outcome of his appeal could determine his future career and public standing.
Published 15-Feb-2025