Former TV presenter Andrew O’Keefe was denied bail after he was charged with allegedly assaulting a woman earlier this week.
Today, a Sydney court heard about his history of mental health problems and ice addiction, with more details about the alleged assault on his apartment being revealed.
His lawyer, Sharon Ramsden, told the Central Local Court that the woman he allegedly strangled had come to his home in Sydney’s central business district uninvited.
She said that O’Keefe had sustained significant injuries while acting in self-defense and argued that he had never been criminally convicted of anything.
His attorney also provided medical reports on his mental health and drug addictions, including ice.
The police prosecutor said there are photos of the alleged victim’s injuries, including significant marks on his face and legs, and that he had to bite O’Keefe to free himself.
O’Keefe was on the verge of tears and shook her head during today’s hearing.
He rolled his eyes and sighed loudly upon hearing the case against him.
At one point he said, “Oh, God, this is ridiculous” and “there was no chokehold.”
He complained that it was an “injustice” when he was denied bail.
Despite his significant mental health problems, a magistrate rejected his request for release, finding the prosecution’s case relatively strong.
He said O’Keefe would likely face jail time if convicted.
O’Keefe’s attorney hopes he will be released later so he can go to rehab.
