Troubled ex-TV star Andrew O’Keefe has admitted driving while his licence was suspended, but he says at the time he didn’t believe he was breaking the law.

A magistrate on Tuesday accepted O’Keefe’s explanation that he was on his way to have his licence reinstated when he was recognised by police and pulled over in the eastern suburbs of Sydney on June 20.

The former Seven Network personality told a local court hearing he believed that having completed a traffic offenders’ course for an earlier offence meant he was legally allowed to drive to a Service NSW outlet.

“That was the suggestion I had,” O’Keefe said.

“I understand that is wrong now.”

O’Keefe entered a plea of guilty to driving on a suspended licence and was given a conditional release order of 12 months without a conviction being recorded.

Magistrate Michael Allen noted the 52-year-old’s recent criminal history, including convictions for domestic violence and drug possession, which are the subject of an appeal.

“The sad reality is you’re no stranger to this place,” Allen said.

Outside Downing Centre Local Court, O’Keefe said he was happy with the sentence and hoped things would improve for him.

“A reasonable magistrate, which is always good,” he said.

“Lovely result.”

Asked if things were “all up from here”, O’Keefe said he hoped so.

“There’s a bit to go but we’ll find out shortly,” he said.

O’Keefe still faces charges of contravening an apprehended violence order and intimidating a man, who he allegedly threatened during a run-in in late July.

1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732

Lifeline 131 114

– AAP