Troubled TV star Andrew O’Keefe charged with drug possession and breaching bail following spat with TV crew

Sowaibah Hanifie7NEWS
VideoFormer TV host Andrew O'Keefe arrested The drama's only escalating for troubled former TV star Andrew O'Keefe who's had a run-in with a paparazzi cameraman and been arrested by police.

Troubled former TV host Andrew O’Keefe has been charged with drug possession and breaching his bail conditions just hours after a spat with a paparazzi cameraman.

O’Keefe, 52, was arrested about 2.30pm on Monday after reporting to Rose Bay Police Station in Sydney’s east.

NSW Police allege when officers searched a vehicle nearby, they located prohibited drugs. These have been sent for further analysis.

O’Keefe was taken to Waverley Police Station and charged with breach of bail, and possessing a prohibited drug.

He was refused bail to appear at Waverley Local Court on Tuesday.

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Police had commenced an investigation following an incident at a home on Old South Head Road, Vaucluse, last Saturday, during which the Daily Telegraph reports O’Keefe survived an apparent drug overdose.

It’s understood he was revived by paramedics at the property before being taken to St Vincent’s Hospital in a stable condition, and discharged soon after.

On Monday, O’Keefe was filmed arguing with a paparazzo before his arrest.

The cameraman was filming the 52-year-old leaving Rose Bay Police Station, before asking: “Big weekend, mate?”

O’Keefe makes it clear he doesn’t want to be followed and accuses the cameraman of running a red light to film him.

The camera operator continues to ask him questions then as an argument between the pair escalates, he says, “You’re a f****** degenerate mate, you’re a degenerate, that’s what you are.”

The former TV host was found guilty of domestic violence-related assault, drug possession and breaching an apprehended violence order in January this year. His attempt to have the conviction quashed was dismissed by a judge last week.

Referring to his domestic violence charges, the paparazzo can be heard in the footage telling O’Keefe to “go and bash some women” as the father-of-thee gets in his car and drives away.

“You make a living out of leeching off other people,” O’Keefe tells the cameraman, then suddenly parks the car and says he’s going to make a complaint about the cameraman.

Soon after, the 52-year-old was filmed in the back of a police car.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.

In an emergency, call 000.

Advice and counselling for men concerned about their use of family violence: Men’s Referral Service, 1300 766 491.

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