Former television host Andrew O'Keefe has been released from custody after he allegedly threatened a man and was caught driving under the influence of drugs.
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The 52-year-old former Deal or No Deal presenter was pulled over while driving a Mercedes sedan along Cranbrook Road in Sydney's Bellevue Hill at 11.45am on July 28.
Mr O'Keefe, who allegedly had an ice pipe in his coat pocket during the arrest, avoided jail in January after being found guilty of domestic violence-related offences.
He was charged with contravening an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) and stalking or intimidating the man on Longworth Avenue in Point Piper "a short time before police stopped the vehicle", NSW Police said.
Bail granted after a night in jail
The former host spent the night of July 28 in custody but was released on July 29 after appearing before Waverley Local Court.
His lawyer, Sharon Ramsden, told the court her client would fight the charges, describing the case as a "one-on-one" matter.
She said when Mr O'Keefe attended the address there were concerns a burglar could be inside and he had put "one foot in the door".
"That's the gravity of that breach," Ms Ramsden said.
She claimed a man who made a complaint against Mr O'Keefe had been the one who was threatening, while her client was not angry or agitated at the time.
Police prosecutor Paul Henningham opposed bail on the basis Mr O'Keefe had a history of domestic violence and could be a danger to the community.
Sergeant Henningham said there was a strong prosecution case against Mr O'Keefe, who went to an address he knew he should not attend while under existing court orders.
On claims there could have been a burglar at the residence, Sergeant Henningham said that was "an extraordinary set of circumstances".
Positive drug tests allegedly returned
The prosecutor said Mr O'Keefe appeared drug-affected with glassy, blood-shot eyes when police stopped him.
He was arrested and a roadside drug test returned a positive result.
At Waverley Police Station Mr O'Keefe allegedly returned a positive result on a secondary oral fluid test.
"The sample has been sent for analysis," NSW Police said.
The former game show host was charged with contravening a prohibition or restriction of an AVO and stalking or intimidating intending to cause fear or physical harm.
Mr O'Keefe's arrest comes after a Court Attendance Notice for driving while suspended was issued to the former TV personality in June.
With Australia Associated Press.
Anna Houlahan
Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
