Troubled television star Andrew O’Keefe addresses latest drug charges
Former television personality Andrew O’Keefe has pleaded not guilty to charges of driving with methamphetamine in his system while revealing that he plans to contest the allegations.
After undergoing a random roadside breath test in January, police allege that O’Keefe tested positive for methamphetamine. He was then taken to Waverley Police Station for a secondary oral fluid test, and his driver’s licence was suspended.
In April, O’Keefe was arrested at his home and charged with allegedly driving with an illicit drug present in his blood, as well as breaching his bail conditions.
He appeared in court on Tuesday, April 2 where his solicitor entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf. Outside court, O’Keefe told reporters that he was looking forward to contesting the allegations during a hearing later in the year.
When asked about his expectations for the hearing, O’Keefe claimed that “there are certain things that might affect the credibility of a saliva test or urine test.”
When pressed to elaborate on his concerns regarding the testing, O’Keefe said: “My particular reaction to the testing.”
Earlier this year, O’Keefe fronted court regarding unrelated charges regarding an alleged altercation that took place in a Sydney apartment in 2022.
O’Keefe appeared in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court for a two-day hearing in which he pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
O’Keefe was arrested on Thursday, January 27, 2022 in relation to the incident and was later charged with two counts of ‘intentionally choking a person without consent’, three counts of ‘common assault’ and one count of ‘assault occasioning actual bodily harm’.
“A verbal argument ensued between the pair, before the man allegedly assaulted the woman — grabbing her by the throat, pushing her to the ground and punching her,” a police statement said at the time.
“The man allegedly assaulted the woman a second time — punching and kicking her — before she left the unit.”
During the hearing Police prosecutor Michael Cleaver withdrew several intentional choking, common assault and assault occasioning bodily harm charges.
“The prosecution case relies significantly on one single civilian witness who has left the country,” Cleaver told the court at the time.
O’Keefe is still facing charges of resisting police, drug possession and domestic violence charges.
If you are concerned about violence or misconduct impacting you or your loved ones, contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service — 1800 737 732, Mensline Australia — 1300 789 978, Relationships Australia — 1300 364 277, BeyondBlue — 1300 224 636; Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467; Headspace — 1800 650 890; Kids Helpline — 1800 551 800; Lifeline Australia — 13 11 14, for confidential support, advice and referral that will help you explore your options.
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