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Troubled TV star O’Keefe guilty of domestic assault

Andrew O'Keefe found guilty

Former TV host Andrew O’Keefe has been found guilty of multiple domestic violence and drug offences.

The broadcaster was hit with three sets of charges, including assault causing actual bodily harm, breaching a domestic violence order and possession of the synthetic stimulant drug mephedrone.

On Wednesday, Magistrate Alison Viney found O’Keefe’s actions in kicking, spitting, scratching and otherwise assaulting a woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, were proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

O’Keefe earlier pleaded guilty to contravening an apprehended domestic violence order and cannabis possession but denied further charges of assault and drug possession.

Viney described his behaviour over multiple incidents in September 2021 as “frightening and degrading” for the victim and said there was consistency in her evidence.

The court heard O’Keefe called the woman a “lying dog” and a “c—“, and he was accused of assaulting her on several occasions.

O’Keefe, dressed in a teal-green suit, became agitated and muttered throughout parts of the judgment, shaking his head at times as the magistrate read out her findings in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court.

Numerous photographs of the victim’s injuries, including bruising and scratches to her arms and chest, were tendered during hearings in November.

O’Keefe denied the woman’s accusations, telling the court: “None of this happened.”

He had previous charges dismissed on mental health grounds following an incident in January 2021, during which he slapped the woman and spat in her face.

O’Keefe will be sentenced later on Wednesday.

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– AAP

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