Former Channel 7 star presenter, Andrew O’Keefe, has been denied bail after allegedly contravening the conditions of an apprehended violence order (AVO).
The 51-year-old was arrested late on Saturday night in the affluent suburb of Point Piper at the residence of his former girlfriend.
The ex-presenter of popular shows such as Weekend Sunrise, Deal or No Deal, and The Chase, appeared via audio-visual link in Parramatta Local Court. The court was informed that O’Keefe believed he and his former girlfriend were attempting to reconcile, leading him to spend approximately 10 to 15 minutes at her property.
Despite being reportedly invited by the woman, Magistrate Robert Walker stated that the invitation did not legitimise the breach of the AVO.
Sharon Ramsden, O’Keefe’s solicitor, contended during the bail application that her client had visited the premises to collect personal belongings. “The ultimate breach is he was there for 10 to 15 minutes at the property,” Ms Ramsden remarked. She further noted that the complainant appeared to have invited him to retrieve his possessions.
However, concerns were raised by prosecutor Peter Archibald about the potential threat O’Keefe might pose to the safety of the victims. He also highlighted concerns that O’Keefe might tamper with witnesses in other ongoing matters for which he was currently out on bail.
Archibald expressed doubts about the effectiveness of O’Keefe’s current mental health treatments and the efficacy of the conditions of his bail.
Magistrate Walker shared his apprehensions about the potential escalation of the situation had police not intervened in time, saying, “Mr O’Keefe has totally disregarded that order. Luckily, there was intervention at the time.”
Mr. O’Keefe’s next appearance will be at the Downing Centre Local Court on August 30. Following the refusal of his bail application, O’Keefe expressed his discontent, remarking, “Thank you, Your Honour, for nothing.”
It’s worth noting that O’Keefe has had a history of legal encounters. He has previously faced charges, including common assault, contravening an AVO, and resisting a police officer stemming from an incident in Point Piper in September 2021.
Additionally, he was charged in relation to an alleged choking assault in his Sydney CBD apartment in January 2022. Charges from this January incident were later withdrawn when the sole witness, an alleged victim, left the country.
Furthermore, in June 2021, O’Keefe was granted conditional release to attend a 12-month rehabilitation program for substance abuse issues.
Earlier this year, in April, the former television personality was also charged following a roadside test in Point Piper, which found illicit substances in his system.
Andrew O’Keefe, formerly a lawyer and the son of ex-NSW Supreme Court judge Barry O’Keefe, has in previous instances claimed to have acted in self-defence.
SOURCES: The Australian and ABC
