Driving ban for ex-TV star Andrew O'Keefe after latest drug case

Former television host Andrew O'Keefe has avoided a harsher penalty after admitting to drug driving charges, receiving only a fine and a driver's license suspension. The once-high-profile presenter recently appeared in Waverley Local Court, admitting that he drove a vehicle under the influence of methamphetamine. This outcome offers him a chance to rehabilitate and rebuild his life.

This drug driving charge is the latest in a series of drug and domestic violence-related offenses involving O'Keefe. The 53-year-old O'Keefe tested positive for methamphetamine when subjected to a random test around 11:30 a.m. on July 28 in Bellevue Hill, an eastern suburb of Sydney. These incidents have significantly impacted his public image and personal life.

O'Keefe's lawyer, Jahan Kalantar, told the court that O'Keefe has been undergoing drug rehabilitation treatment and actively cooperating with the court's orders. "We acknowledge that he has a poor traffic record and has been struggling with substance addiction," he said. "He is taking drug rehabilitation treatment very seriously." O'Keefe had previously been abroad and returned to Australia specifically for this plea and sentencing.

Local Magistrate Michael Barko fined him $404 and suspended his driver's license for six months. In October of last year, the same court was informed that O'Keefe would genuinely strive to change his life if given the opportunity to enter a rehabilitation facility instead of facing imprisonment. At that time, he admitted to possessing drugs, trespassing, and violating a court order, and prosecutors agreed to drop an additional intimidation charge.

At the time, Local Magistrate Jacqueline Milledge told O'Keefe that the court might deem him beyond reform if he continued to commit crimes. "Your life has completely gone off the rails," she said to O'Keefe. "The only person who can change your life is you." Kalantar had previously stated that O'Keefe was at a crossroads and could be ostracized by society if he continued down the wrong path. The former host nearly died from a heroin overdose in September while on bail. He was subsequently arrested, his grey Mercedes was searched, and police found a "clear crystalline substance" when he reported to Rose Bay Police Station.

O'Keefe worked as a host at Seven Network for over 15 years, most notably hosting the game show "Deal or No Deal" and the morning show "Weekend Sunrise." He was found guilty of domestic violence offenses in January of this year and had his appeal against those charges dismissed in early September. These events mark a significant downturn in the career of a once-celebrated television personality.