Casuarina contender to face court over alleged attack Reality show star on assault charge

ONE of the Gold Coast’s newest reality stars – who runs a charity helping victims of abuse – is facing an assault charge.

Damien Gilbert Rider, 42, one of the bachelors vying for Bachelorette Ali Oetjen’s heart on tonight’s season opener of The Bachelorette, is due in court on Monday on charges of assault and trespass.

On July 21 the Casuarina man (pictured) allegedly tried to jump a fence at the Byron Bay music festival Splendour in the Grass.

Police are alleging the incident occurred about 10.45pm and that Mr Rider assaulted a security guard, Christopher Yousif, threatened him with a plank of wood and kicked him, before he was arrested.

He was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and entering enclosed lands without a lawful excuse.

He faced Byron Bay Local Court on September 11, but his case was adjourned until October 15 while he sought legal advice.

Speaking ahead of the Bachelorette premiere, Mr Rider refused to comment on the charges.

“No, I can’t (comment),” he said. Mr Rider has already featured on promotions for Channel 10’s fourth season of The Bachelorette, starring 31year-old Ali Oetjen.

Mr Rider has also been public about his history as a victim of child abuse.

His charity, The Rider Foundation, is aimed at helping survivors of abuse.

The website reads: “The Rider Foundation was founded by a child abuse survivor whose mission is to help others to be no longer labelled, Victims or Survivors but Adventures, knowing every day is a new adventure to look forward to.”

In a “Founders Story’’ section, Mr Rider says he is now a voice for people affected by abuse. “From my dedication I have become a spokesman for survivors,” he wrote.

The Bachelorette premieres tonight at 7.30pm on Channel 10.