But a magistrate said the troubled TV personality’s recent criminal history – which includes domestic violence and drug convictions – could work against him.
O’Keefe was charged with trespassing, stalking or intimidation and contravening a court order following an incident in Sydney’s eastern suburbs in July.
The ex-Network Seven star is accused of putting his foot in the door of the alleged victim’s home and threatening another person outside the property in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
O’Keefe appeared at Waverley Local Court on Thursday, when his lawyer Jahan Kalantar formally entered pleas of not guilty to all of the charges.
He foreshadowed the 52-year-old would make an application to have the allegations dealt with on mental-health grounds.
Under the relevant laws, a magistrate can dismiss charges on the basis the accused is released into the care of a responsible person or undergo treatment.
But Magistrate Jacqueline Milledge said O’Keefe’s criminal history might work against him in attempting to get the court to accept the argument.
The former game show host was arrested hours after appearing in court on another matter in early August, when he pleaded guilty to driving while his licence was suspended.
Speaking outside court after receiving a non-conviction for the driving offence, O’Keefe was asked if things were “all up from here” and said he hoped so.
“There’s a bit to go but we’ll find out shortly,” he said.
O’Keefe was a Seven presenter for more than 15 years, most notably hosting game show Deal or No Deal and breakfast show Weekend Sunrise.
More recently he has struggled with drug and mental health issues, which he told court he was on a “sincere endeavour” to address when placed on 12-month conditional release after pleading guilty to contravening a court order in August 2023.
O’Keefe is also appealing convictions recorded in January for domestic violence and drug possession offences.
The latest matter will return to court on October 10.
