An embattled former tv star was caught up in a weird scene exterior a Sydney court docket on Wednesday, with a member of the general public pulling him in for a hug as he left the constructing.
Andrew O’Keefe, 51, sported a brand new have a look at the Downing Centre on Wednesday morning, the place he appeared to set a listening to date to battle allegations of assault and deliberately choking a girl with out consent.
Unshaven and rumpled, he stood silently earlier than the court docket as his lawyer confirmed the date to defend the raft of costs.
And as he left court docket shortly afterwards, Mr O’Keefe was embraced by an area character who was a admirer of his tv appearances.
The person approached the previous sport present host and gave him a handshake earlier than pulling him right into a hearty hug, which O’Keefe returned in form.
The previous TV present host appeared a bit stunned however took the trade in stride earlier than strolling away from the courthouse.
Outdoors court docket Mr O’Keefe was embraced by an area character who was a admirer of his tv appearances
Police allege the previous host of the favored sport present, The Chase Australia, grabbed a 38-year-old lady by the throat on January 25.
Police allege he then allegedly pushed her to the bottom and punched her. Mr O’Keefe maintains he acted in self defence.
It’s believed the pair met beforehand when the girl was a intercourse employee whom Mr O’Keefe had employed for her providers earlier than they developed a friendship.
Police declare they began arguing after he known as in a debt for $20,000 and the girl requested for more cash to additional a enterprise she deliberate to begin.
Mr O’Keefe’s lawyer beforehand advised the court docket that the girl grabbed a cricket bat and scissors and began to assault him, so he was pressured to defend himself. He has pleaded not responsible to the fees.
Police allege the previous host of the favored sport present, The Chase Australia, grabbed a 38-year-old lady by the throat on January 25
The person approached the previous sport present host and gave him a handshake earlier than pulling him right into a hearty hug, which O’Keefe returned in form
The previous TV presenter spent virtually 5 months in custody on remand after he was charged with the offences.
He was granted strict bail by the NSW Supreme Court docket in Could to reside at a long-term residential rehabilitation facility in Port Stephens.
Throughout his bail listening to, the Supreme Court docket choose famous Mr O’Keefe has lengthy standing drug issues and psychological well being points which seem like trauma associated.
The court docket heard on Wednesday the previous tv character would return to court docket on February 6 and seven for a two-day listening to to battle the fees towards him.
‘In relation to all of these issues, the listening to date … is confirmed,’ Justice of the Peace Brett Thomas mentioned.
Mr O’Keefe will proceed to reside at his dwelling underneath strict bail situations which mandate a weekly drug take a look at.
The previous TV presenter spent virtually 5 months in custody on remand after he was charged with the offences
The previous host of Weekend Dawn was arrested final month after he allegedly failed one of many drug exams.
He has confronted a distinct sort of highlight for the reason that assault allegations got here to mild after a protracted profession as a TV presenter on Channel 7.
Mr O’Keefe appeared because the face of many packages for the broadcaster, from Deal or No Deal to Weekend Dawn.
He served on the Nationwide Council for the Prevention of Violence Towards Ladies and based the well-known White Ribbon Australia organisation devoted to the trigger.
In 2017, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his charity work and accomplishments in tv.
