Fallen TV icon Andrew O’Keefe’s life behind bars on remand revealed
Silverwater prison sources have revealed fallen TV icon Andrew O’Keefe is yet to come to terms with his temporary stint in a tiny cell and prison-issued green tracksuit while on remand.
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Fallen Aussie TV icon Andrew O’Keefe has become an entitled, demanding, “prima donna” of the Silverwater prison yard according to a stunning assessment from prison staff who are growing tired of his antics.
The former host of Deal or No Deal and The Chase has been on remand at the Western Sydney jail since he allegedly grabbed a former sex worker by the throat in January.
But prison sources told The Daily Telegraph he has not come to terms with his new existence in a 2m-by-3m cell and prison-issued green tracksuit.
“He’s demanding. Constantly asking for this and for that … he’s a real prima donna,” the source said. “He’s self-entitled.
“I don’t think he’s come to terms with the fact that he’s (on remand).”
After battling addictions to cocaine and ice on the outside, his lawyer on Sunday revealed he was now on medication.
“He is receiving some medications. He is not withdrawing from ice,” lawyer Sharon Ramsden said.
For the nephew of rock and roll legend Johnny O’Keefe and the son of a former Supreme Court judge, O’Keefe’s new life could not be further away from his old one, the life of prime-time TV show sets and celebrity charity appearances.
His cell doors slam shut at 3pm when, like everyone else he gets his dinner, the only hot meal of the day which is heated up from a chill-pack. There is no dining room. All meals are eaten in the cells.
He is also handed his nightly “rations” consisting of milk, cereal and seven slices of bread to go with the sachets of coffee and prison-issue tea bags.
O’Keefe is believed to be a cell of his own where he beds down on a metal bunk in a cell equipped with an open steel toilet, jug and sandwich maker.
The doors stay shut until morning muster at 7am.
O’Keefe, 50, was on six charges after police alleged he grabbed a former sex worker by the throat, punched her and pushed her to the ground.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including intentionally choking a person without consent, three counts of common assault and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
He has pleaded guilty to possessing 1.5g of marijuana.
His neighbours at his new address include warring bikies and others awaiting court dates.
He fought for bail in the Supreme Court and it was refused.
His prison wardrobe includes a green T-shirt, shorts, tracksuit and a pair of sneakers with velcro instead of laces. Anything else can be ordered from the weekly buy-up on which he can splash out up to a maximum of $100 which he will either work for or have paid into his account by family and friends.
O’Keefe can’t spend more than $150 a month.
His weekly shopping list includes choices from stationery, confectionery, drinks and snack foods, toiletries and hygiene products, grocery items and “culturally friendly” food typically used to celebrate events of cultural or religious significance.
At least he will be able to give up smoking. It is banned behind bars and nicotine replacement products can also be had from the buy-up.
This will be his life at least until July 18, when his cases is due to be heard.
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Originally published as Fallen TV icon Andrew O’Keefe’s life behind bars on remand revealed
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