Andrew O’Keefe admits meth driving shame

Embattled television personality Andrew O’Keefe has escaped conviction after pleading guilty to driving with meth in his system through Sydney’s most exclusive suburb.

The former Deal or No Deal host pleaded guilty on Tuesday at Downing Centre Local Court to driving with an illicit drug in his system and breaching his bail conditions.

Police alleged the 51-year-old was driving his grey Mercedes C200 sedan on January 20 through Point Piper when he was stopped by police.

A roadside breath test allegedly returned a positive result for methamphetamine before Mr O’Keefe was taken to Waverley police station for a secondary test.

Former Deal or No Deal host Andrew O’Keefe pleaded guilty to driving with meth in his system and breaching bail on Tuesday at Downing Centre Local Court 

Police alleged the 51-year-old was driving his grey Mercedes C200 sedan on January 20 through Point Piper when he was stopped by police and tested positive to a drug test 

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During sentencing, magistrate Miranda Moody said O’Keefe had since returned negative screenings for illicit drugs and was being treated by a psychiatrist and psychologist.

‘To his credit, he’s clearly had some issues with illicit drug use and I’ve been provided material to his use of drugs or lack thereof,’ Ms Moody told the court.

There have been none detected for some time. I’ve also been provided a report by a psychologist and a psychiatrist. He’s engaged in treatment.

‘Given the enormous amount of work Mr O’Keefe is doing in relation to his drug and health issues I’m prepared to not record a conviction.’

Ms Moody instead sentenced Mr O’Keefe to a 12-month community release order. He faced a maximum penalty of $2200 and six months disqualification from driving.

During sentencing, Ms Moody said Mr O’Keefe’s driving record ‘did not assist him’ but told the court he did not have any similar offences on his record.

Mr O’Keefe previously pleaded not guilty to the charges, indicating outside the court that he thought ‘certain things that might affect the credibility of a saliva test’.

Mr O’Keefe was sentenced to a 12-month community release order