Former television personality Andrew O’Keefe has been greeted with a handshake and a hug from a member of the public as he left court following a brief hearing.

O’Keefe is facing a raft of charges including four counts of common assault, two of assault resulting in injury, two of intentionally choking without consent, twice breaching a restraining order, resisting police and possessing illegal drugs.

He could also be slapped with two new apprehended violence orders at his next appearance.

After emerging from Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday, a smiling O’Keefe was embraced by a man outside.

The former Seven Network presenter is contesting numerous charges, alleged to have taken place over a two-year period.

Police alleged O’Keefe assaulted a 38-year-old woman when he grabbed her by her throat, pushed her to the ground, and punched and kicked her in his Sydney CBD unit in January.

O’Keefe claims he acted in self-defence.

He was previously arrested in September for a separate alleged incident of assault and was on bail at the time.

The 51-year-old was released on bail in May to attend a rehabilitation centre for up to 12 months to combat his cocaine, ice and cannabis abuse.

He was refused bail twice before successfully arguing for his conditional release.

At the time, Justice Robert Allan Hulme said O’Keefe had a long-standing and significant drug problem combined with mental health issues that were trauma-related.

He avoided a domestic violence conviction in June 2021 after the charges were dealt with under the NSW Mental Health Act.

O’Keefe will return to court on February 6 and 7 to fight the charges.

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– AAP