Randwick model Reece McDonald sentenced over Potts Point nightclub affray

A runway model from Sydney’s east has learned his fate over a drunken brawl which a court heard could be “fairly devastating” to his jet setting career.

Left: Professional shot of model Reece McDonald from Boom Models. Right: Leaving court in December.

A runway model who has walked for luxury labels Louis Vuitton and Balmain has avoided conviction for his role in a nightclub punch-up, after a court heard it would be “fairly devastating” to his international career.

Randwick’s Reece McDonald, who is represented by Milan-based management group Boom the Agency, faced Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday after previously pleading guilty to affray.

A previous charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company was dismissed.

The 22-year-old was embroiled in an alcohol-fuelled punch up outside Potts Point nightclub Room 22 in November last year.

Just before 2.30am, McDonald and his two clubbing companions Kwesi Derkyi and Eddy Mugisha crossed paths with another group of patrons after leaving the club.

Reece McDonald has walked for runways including Louis Vuitton.

According to the police facts, following a heated exchange, Derkyi allegedly tried to wrap his “left arm” around one man’s shoulders before the man pushed him.

Derkyi allegedly “charged at the man” before “punching him with a closed fist multiple times in the face”, causing him to bleed.

Reece McDonald has walked for runways including Dolce & Gabbana.

Police say McDonald and Mugisha then jumped in, as the melee spilt out toward Bayswater Rd before the man fell to the ground.

McDonald unsuccessfully attempted to kick two of the men, however according to police “the kicks did not connect with anyone”.

Further punches and kicks were thrown between the parties, with McDonald attempting to leave with his friends before being pushed over.

On Wednesday, McDonald’s lawyer Mohamed Bejjaoui applied for the charges to be dismissed on mental health grounds citing ADHD, anxiety, and his client going through a difficult period at the time of the brawl.

McDonald on the runway for Canadian label Dsquared2. Picture: Instagram

The court also heard McDonald was receiving treatment for his mental health.

However, the application was quashed by Magistrate Susan McIntyre who said the court needed to send a message to the community against this sort of offending.

“These are some of the most common offences, young men filled with alcohol in the early hours of the morning getting into fisticuffs,” she said

“Where’s there might be underlying mental concerns in relation to you personally, there are bigger forces in play and the need to send a message to the community.

“If you decide for whatever reason to fill yourself up with alcohol at 2.30am and do violent behaviour you will be dealt with by forces of law.”

Magistrate McIntyre chose not to convict McDonald after taking into account his lack of record, prior good character and limited involvement in the brawl.

Magistrate McIntyre also acknowledged a criminal conviction would have a “fairly devastating” effect on McDonald’s overseas modelling prospects.

McDonald was sentenced to an 18 month conditional release order.

Mugisha entered pleas of guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company and affray, and was convicted and sentenced to a nine month community corrections order and fined $880.

Derkyi has pleaded not guilty to the same charges and will face a local court hearing on September 5.