Andrew O’Keefe fails to overturn convictions over ‘degrading’ attack on woman
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Content warning: This article explicitly mentions violence and abuse, which some readers may find distressing. Discretion is advised.
The fall from grace can be swift and severe, especially when it involves a public figure once revered for their advocacy against the very crimes they are later found guilty of committing.
Such is the case with Andrew O’Keefe, a former TV host and ambassador for the prevention of domestic violence, whose recent legal battles have left the public both shocked and dismayed.
O'Keefe, known for his roles on popular shows like Deal or No Deal and Weekend Sunrise, has been embroiled in a scandal that has stripped him of his once-respected status.
The former chairman of White Ribbon Australia, an organisation dedicated to preventing violence against women, has now been convicted of domestic violence offences.
The details of O'Keefe's 'degrading' attack on a woman are harrowing. During an altercation in September 2021, O'Keefe was accused of slandering the woman's child, which led to a heated argument.
The victim reported that O'Keefe pushed her against a door, causing injury to her wrist and hand, before proceeding to kick her and dig his nails into her skin.
As she attempted to leave, he tried to spit on her, dismissing her pain with a callous remark about her acting skills.
In a desperate attempt to clear his name, O'Keefe's legal team presented an appeal, suggesting that the woman had either self-inflicted her injuries or that they were the result of an accidental fall.
O’Keefe allegedly told the woman during the argument: ‘Nice acting, I barely touched you.’
However, Judge John Pickering of the Sydney Downing Centre District Court dismissed these claims as 'implausible’, emphasising the victim's lack of motive to fabricate such a story.
‘I struggle to see any aspect of a motive to lie here,’ he said.
‘I do not in any way think the complainant just evilly made this up.’
The judge's decision was informed by the victim's initial reluctance to involve the police or even confide in a neighbour who had heard the commotion.
This hesitation, according to Judge Pickering, contradicted the defence's portrayal of her as having malicious intent against O'Keefe.
‘It really speaks against her having this evil intent against him as put by senior counsel on his behalf,’ Judge Pickering said.
The judge determined that O'Keefe knew he would need to explain himself when the police arrived and he was ‘savvy enough to immediately blame her for her injuries’.
O'Keefe had also admitted to spitting in the woman's eye during a previous argument in January, showing a ‘loss of self-control’ and aggressive behaviour.
‘His tendency was to spit, to commit a low demeaning act towards her,’ the Judge said.
As the judgment was delivered, O’Keefe became visibly agitated, making noises of dissent and shaking his head.
In a small reprieve for O'Keefe, his conviction for possessing the illegal drug mephedrone was quashed due to reasonable doubt about his knowledge of the drug's presence in his apartment.
O'Keefe's struggles with drug addiction have been public, with his battles leading him in and out of rehabilitation centres over the past three years.
The local court magistrate noted that his addiction had ‘robbed him’ of his successful media career and his marriage.
Despite his disappointment with the court's judgment, O'Keefe has stated that he will not continue to fight the convictions.
Outside the courtroom, he denied showing any upset during the proceedings but pointed to perceived issues within the justice system as the reason for his failed appeal.
If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, or domestic or family violence, you may call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for support.
For men concerned about their use of family violence, the Men’s Referral Service can be reached at 1300 766 491.
If you are in a crisis, you may call Lifeline on 13 11 14, and for further information about depression, you may contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or talk to your GP, local health professional, or someone you trust.
What are your thoughts on this case, members? How can we continue to raise awareness about domestic violence and support those affected? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
The fall from grace can be swift and severe, especially when it involves a public figure once revered for their advocacy against the very crimes they are later found guilty of committing.
Such is the case with Andrew O’Keefe, a former TV host and ambassador for the prevention of domestic violence, whose recent legal battles have left the public both shocked and dismayed.
O'Keefe, known for his roles on popular shows like Deal or No Deal and Weekend Sunrise, has been embroiled in a scandal that has stripped him of his once-respected status.
The former chairman of White Ribbon Australia, an organisation dedicated to preventing violence against women, has now been convicted of domestic violence offences.
Andrew O’Keefe lost to his appeal in court over a ‘degrading’ attack on a woman. Credit: 10 News First / YouTube
The details of O'Keefe's 'degrading' attack on a woman are harrowing. During an altercation in September 2021, O'Keefe was accused of slandering the woman's child, which led to a heated argument.
The victim reported that O'Keefe pushed her against a door, causing injury to her wrist and hand, before proceeding to kick her and dig his nails into her skin.
As she attempted to leave, he tried to spit on her, dismissing her pain with a callous remark about her acting skills.
In a desperate attempt to clear his name, O'Keefe's legal team presented an appeal, suggesting that the woman had either self-inflicted her injuries or that they were the result of an accidental fall.
O’Keefe allegedly told the woman during the argument: ‘Nice acting, I barely touched you.’
However, Judge John Pickering of the Sydney Downing Centre District Court dismissed these claims as 'implausible’, emphasising the victim's lack of motive to fabricate such a story.
‘I struggle to see any aspect of a motive to lie here,’ he said.
‘I do not in any way think the complainant just evilly made this up.’
The judge's decision was informed by the victim's initial reluctance to involve the police or even confide in a neighbour who had heard the commotion.
This hesitation, according to Judge Pickering, contradicted the defence's portrayal of her as having malicious intent against O'Keefe.
‘It really speaks against her having this evil intent against him as put by senior counsel on his behalf,’ Judge Pickering said.
The judge determined that O'Keefe knew he would need to explain himself when the police arrived and he was ‘savvy enough to immediately blame her for her injuries’.
O'Keefe had also admitted to spitting in the woman's eye during a previous argument in January, showing a ‘loss of self-control’ and aggressive behaviour.
‘His tendency was to spit, to commit a low demeaning act towards her,’ the Judge said.
As the judgment was delivered, O’Keefe became visibly agitated, making noises of dissent and shaking his head.
In a small reprieve for O'Keefe, his conviction for possessing the illegal drug mephedrone was quashed due to reasonable doubt about his knowledge of the drug's presence in his apartment.
O'Keefe's struggles with drug addiction have been public, with his battles leading him in and out of rehabilitation centres over the past three years.
The local court magistrate noted that his addiction had ‘robbed him’ of his successful media career and his marriage.
Despite his disappointment with the court's judgment, O'Keefe has stated that he will not continue to fight the convictions.
Outside the courtroom, he denied showing any upset during the proceedings but pointed to perceived issues within the justice system as the reason for his failed appeal.
If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, or domestic or family violence, you may call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for support.
For men concerned about their use of family violence, the Men’s Referral Service can be reached at 1300 766 491.
If you are in a crisis, you may call Lifeline on 13 11 14, and for further information about depression, you may contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or talk to your GP, local health professional, or someone you trust.
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