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Former Deal or No Deal presenter Andrew O’Keefe has escaped prison again after being arrested for allegedly failing a drug test.
O’Keefe stood before the local court of Waverley, in eastern Sydney, on Thursday afternoon charged with breaching bail conditions in relation to his allegations of allegedly choking and assaulting a woman in January.
The court heard that police were watching O’Keefe’s house in Vaucluse when they saw another man leave the house.
The man was quickly searched by police and was reportedly found with drugs on him.
The court heard that the police then gave O’Keefe a mouth swab, which produced a positive result.
O’Keefe’s attorney told the court that his client had abstained from drugs since his release from rehab three weeks ago and they would argue that the drug sample may have been contaminated.
O’Keefe, who appeared upset when he appeared in court sitting with his face in his hands, was berated by the judge.
“You have to choose your company very, very carefully,” said Judge Jacqueline Milledge.
“I agree,” O’Keefe replied.
Former Seven Network personality Andrew O’Keefe (above) was arrested and charged with violating his bail conditions
Andrew O’Keefe was granted bail on Thursday after allegedly failing a drug test (O’Keefe is pictured with his ex-wife Eleanor in 2005)
O’Keefe had a glowing report from rehab when he was released – his 10th stint at a facility of its kind.
“He has been trying to get back on track, his partner has let him mend the relationship with his children,” O’Keefe’s lawyer told the court.
The court heard that O’Keefe also wants to become a lawyer, and hopes to study the profession after being previously credited years ago.
O’Keefe will face Waverley Court on December 14.
He must maintain good behavior, remain at his address in Vaucluse, attend weekly appointments with his psychiatrist and psychologist.
The ex-TV star is also not allowed to leave NSW, comes near an airport and is only allowed to take medication prescribed by his doctor.
The judge also ordered him to stay away from alcohol and drugs and not to enter places where alcohol is sold.
He will also be subject to weekly drug testing.
NSW police confirmed the one-time Channel Seven star was arrested at his luxury home in Vaucluse, Sydney’s east, at about 10:40am on Thursday.
He was taken to Waverley Police Station prior to his court hearing.
In May, O’Keefe was granted bail by the Supreme Court to attend Connect Global Rehabilitation Center in Port Stephens, where he worked as a cleaner.
The court ordered that he spend six to 12 months in the facility, marking his tenth attempted withdrawal.
O’Keefe was arrested and remanded in January at Silverwater Prison pending trial on charges of intentionally asphyxiating a person, common assault and assault resulting in actual bodily harm.
Police allege O’Keefe grabbed a 38-year-old woman by the throat and pushed her to the ground before punching and kicking her in Sydney’s CBD.
O’Keefe claimed he acted in self-defense. The woman’s name cannot be disclosed for legal reasons.
O’Keefe (right) was granted bail to go to a rehabilitation center in Port Stephen in May after his January arrest
O’Keefe (above) worked for Seven for 17 years, presenting Deal or No Deal, The Chase and Weekend Sunrise before being arrested on assault charges
Footage captured by Daily Mail Australia of O’Keefe’s arrest in January showed the former TV star kicking and screaming as he was led to a nearby police van.
‘F*** you, I’m a victim of crime. I’m a victim of crime, you bastards. Fuck off,” he yelled, kicking the windows of the vehicle’s cell.
“Get rid of these journalists, you stupid bastards. F*** you.’
O’Keefe worked for Seven for 17 years, hosting the game shows Deal or No Deal, The Chase and the current affairs program Weekend Sunrise.
However, he was fired by the media giant in early 2021 following allegations that he assaulted his former doctor girlfriend.
His uncle was legendary rock star Johnny O’Keefe, while 50-year-old father Barry was a NSW Supreme Court judge.
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