Former TV presenter Andrew O'Keefe's conviction for drug possession overturned, but assault charges not reversed

Former television presenter Andrew O'Keefe failed to convince a judge in 2021 that he did not assault a woman during an argument, but won his attempt to overturn a drug possession conviction.

The former Deal or No Deal star was found guilty of assault, breach of a restraining order and possession of prohibited drugs in January.

The 52-year-old denied the allegations and argued in the appeal that the victim had inflicted the injuries on herself.

But District Judge John Pickering said he was convinced “beyond reasonable doubt” of O'Keefe's guilt in relation to the attack and found it “very difficult to accept” that the woman was “innocent” of the bruising.

He rejected any suggestion that she had “made up” the attack.

The court heard the woman had taken a number of photographs of the injuries she had sustained, including bruises to her thighs, arms and hip, while a neighbour had also “immediately” noticed an injury to her chest.

Prosecutors had alleged that O'Keefe pushed, hit and kicked the woman during an argument in September 2021.

However, Judge Pickering acknowledged that there was “a real problem” with the way the drug possession charge against O'Keefe was ultimately adjudicated.

He set aside the fine and conviction imposed on O'Keefe in this connection.

O'Keefe was sentenced to 18 months probation for the attack in January.