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Fallen TV star Andrew O’Keefe found guilty of domestic violence, but manages to avoid jail

Troubled former TV host Andrew O’Keefe has avoided jail time after being found guilty of multiple domestic violence and drug offences.

Andrew O’Keefe (centre) departs the Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney, Wednesday, January 24, 2024. (AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi)

Andrew O’Keefe (centre) departs the Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney, Wednesday, January 24, 2024. (AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi)

The broadcaster was hit with three sets of charges, including assault causing actual bodily harm, breaching a domestic violence order and possession of the synthetic stimulant drug mephedrone.

Magistrate Alison Viney on Wednesday found O’Keefe’s actions in kicking, spitting, scratching and otherwise assaulting a woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, were proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

“Your actions were violent and degrading,” she told Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court.

“You placed (the victim) in a position of fear, not only for herself but for her children in her own home.

“Your actions are absolutely condemned.”

O’Keefe was sentenced to one 12-month and three 18-month community corrections orders, which include supervision and reporting requirements.

He was also fined $800 for the drug offences.

Ms Viney said O’Keefe’s disregard for the apprehended domestic violence order in repeatedly contacting the victim was a concern for the court.

O’Keefe earlier pleaded guilty to contravening the order and cannabis possession but denied further charges of assault and drug possession.

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The magistrate described his behaviour over multiple incidents in September 2021 as “frightening and degrading” for the victim and said there was consistency in her evidence.

The court heard O’Keefe called the woman a “lying dog” and a “c***”, and he was accused of assaulting her on several occasions.

O’Keefe, dressed in a teal-green suit, became agitated and muttered throughout parts of the judgment, shaking his head at times as the magistrate read out her findings.

Numerous photographs of the victim’s injuries, including bruising and scratches to her arms and chest, were tendered during hearings in November.

O’Keefe denied the woman’s accusations in 2023, telling the court: “None of this happened.”

He had previous charges dismissed on mental health grounds following an incident in January 2021, during which he slapped the woman and spat in her face.

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