Embattled former TV star Andrew O’Keefe arrested again over alleged breach of AVO

Embattled former TV star Andrew O’Keefe has taken a parting shot at a magistrate after being told he will be returning to prison, following yet another arrest.

Embattled former TV star Andrew O’Keefe is back behind bars after allegedly breaching a restraining order when he turned up at his ex-girlfriend’s home, despite a court hearing they want to get back together.

O’Keefe, 51, faced Parramatta Local Court on Sunday afternoon where it was revealed he had been charged with contravening an apprehended violence order (AVO) after allegedly spending “10 to 15 minutes” at the unit of his former partner - who cannot legally be named - the night before.

The court heard the former Deal or No Deal host had been invited by the woman to visit, as they wanted to “resume... their relationship”.

But Magistrate Robert Walker said despite the invitation, O’Keefe must have been aware he was in breach of the AVO conditions, something he said there was “no excuse” for.

Embattled former TV star Andrew O’Keefe has landed himself in trouble again, after police arrested him on one of the most exclusive streets in Sydney overnight. Picture: Richard Dobson

“You must be sick of doing this,” Magistrate Walker said to the former TV star, who appeared in court via audio visual link.

“I’m a little over it Your Honour,” O’Keefe replied.

The court heard O’Keefe was currently receiving treatment for mental health concerns, before making a frank assessment.

“It (treatment) doesn’t seem to be working, does it,” he said.

O’Keefe’s solicitor Sharon Ramsden applied for bail on her client’s behalf, and said he was simply at the home to collect some of his belongings.

She said that despite the fact there was an AVO in place between them “the parties (involved) wish to resume... their relationship”.

“The ultimate breach is he was there for 10 to 15 minutes at the property,” Ms Ramsden said.

“It appears to be the parties wish to resume contact. The complainant I understand has extended an invite to claim the property.”

Andrew O’Keefe was refused bail on Sunday. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

Prosecutor Peter Archibald opposed bail, saying police had concerns O’Keefe would endanger the safety of victims and interfere with witnesses, for several separate matters he is currently on bail for, if he was released again.

Mr Archibald said O’Keefe’s regular appearances before court in recent years indicated the treatment he has received is not “working”.

“From his bail, Your Honour can see there is a large number of conditions which Your Honour has noted they don’t seem to be working,” Mr Archibald said.

Magistrate Walker ultimately refused to grant O’Keefe bail, telling the court he was worried about “what could’ve happened” between he and his former partner “if police didn’t arrive”.

“He’s still turning up at the property of this protected person,” Magistrate Walker said.

“We don’t know what could’ve happened if police didn’t arrive. Mr O’Keefe has totally disregarded that order. Luckily there was intervention at the time.”

As the reality of going back behind bars on remand dawned on him, the former TV star shook his head and gestured to his lawyer, pleading with her to assist him.

O’Keefe then took a parting shot at the Magistrate as he was led out of the cells at Surry Hills Police Station.

“Thank you, Your Honour, for nothing,” he said, slamming his hands on the table in front of him before leaving the room.

O’Keefe will remain behind bars on remand until his next appearance in Downing Centre Local Court on August 30.

Once one of the brightest stars on Australian television, he burst onto the scenes as the host of Deal or No Deal before also becoming a regular co-host of Weekend Sunrise.

He was the host of afternoon quiz show The Chase at the time his contract with Channel 7 was ended.

O’Keefe’s battle with drugs has played out publicly in recent years, including several stints in rehabilitation.