Former TV game show host Andrew O'Keefe avoided further jail time on Thursday after pleading guilty to violating domestic violence restrictions and possessing crystal meth . He appeared via video link at Waverley Local Court .
O'Keefe's defence lawyer, Jahan Kalantar, expressed concerns over his client's recent overdose , describing it as a pivotal moment in O'Keefe's life. "This is a matter where if the lesson taught to Mr O'Keefe by his death can't be taught then there is really no lesson… more serious enough," Kalantar said.
The 53-year-old pleaded guilty early to breaching an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (AVO) in July and to drug possession in September.
In July, O'Keefe was arrested for unlawfully entering a home in Point Piper, violating his AVO, and on September 16, after a suspected overdose, he was hospitalised and later arrested when officers found crystal meth in his car during a visit to the Rose Bay Police Station two days later.
As part of his sentencing, O'Keefe received a 30-month community corrections order for the AVO breach and was fined for drug possession. A stalking charge connected to the July incident was dropped in a plea deal.
During the court proceedings, Magistrate Jacqueline Milledge directly addressed O'Keefe, emphasising the importance of his role as a father and said, "You have three wonderful children, three wonderful children who are successful despite you," stressing the need for him to prioritise his children over his lifestyle choices.
In response, O'Keefe expressed his deep affection for his children, stating, "They are the dearest things in my life. I want to be there for them."
Despite receiving a community corrections order, Magistrate Milledge warned O'Keefe that failure to engage in rehabilitation could lead to imprisonment. She firmly stated, "You have been given lots of opportunities to do something about your use of drugs… I can assure you the next step is jail."
O'Keefe's legal troubles stem from his long-standing struggle with addiction and issues related to domestic violence. He previously served as an ambassador for White Ribbon Australia , an organisation aimed at preventing violence against women, making his recent behaviour particularly troubling.
His upcoming rehabilitation programme will be a critical step in his attempts to turn his life around.
O'Keefe's defence lawyer, Jahan Kalantar, expressed concerns over his client's recent overdose , describing it as a pivotal moment in O'Keefe's life. "This is a matter where if the lesson taught to Mr O'Keefe by his death can't be taught then there is really no lesson… more serious enough," Kalantar said.
The 53-year-old pleaded guilty early to breaching an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (AVO) in July and to drug possession in September.
In July, O'Keefe was arrested for unlawfully entering a home in Point Piper, violating his AVO, and on September 16, after a suspected overdose, he was hospitalised and later arrested when officers found crystal meth in his car during a visit to the Rose Bay Police Station two days later.
As part of his sentencing, O'Keefe received a 30-month community corrections order for the AVO breach and was fined for drug possession. A stalking charge connected to the July incident was dropped in a plea deal.
During the court proceedings, Magistrate Jacqueline Milledge directly addressed O'Keefe, emphasising the importance of his role as a father and said, "You have three wonderful children, three wonderful children who are successful despite you," stressing the need for him to prioritise his children over his lifestyle choices.
In response, O'Keefe expressed his deep affection for his children, stating, "They are the dearest things in my life. I want to be there for them."
Despite receiving a community corrections order, Magistrate Milledge warned O'Keefe that failure to engage in rehabilitation could lead to imprisonment. She firmly stated, "You have been given lots of opportunities to do something about your use of drugs… I can assure you the next step is jail."
O'Keefe's legal troubles stem from his long-standing struggle with addiction and issues related to domestic violence. He previously served as an ambassador for White Ribbon Australia , an organisation aimed at preventing violence against women, making his recent behaviour particularly troubling.
His upcoming rehabilitation programme will be a critical step in his attempts to turn his life around.
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