“No justice”: Court rejects new bail application for Andrew O’Keefe

Former Seven host Andrew O’Keefe, currently on remand for assault charges, made a fresh application for bail in Sydney’s Central Local Court yesterday, but was rejected.

Defence lawyer Sharon Ramsden presented a new application for bail claiming there is a special circumstance of a bed being available at a long-term rehabilitation centre in Port Stephens.

But the Daily Telegraph reports he became frustrated with a video link appearance yesterday and became argumentative with magistrate Daniel Reiss.

The magistrate told the court it was “troubling” that Mr O’Keefe’s alleged offending went on while already on bail.

O’Keefe replied in anger: “Alleged behaviour, Your Honour, nothing is confirmed.”

“Are you trying to sabotage your own application?” the magistrate asked.

During the hearing O’Keefe continued to interrupt.

“I would have been inclined to grant bail if not for the ongoing behaviour of Mr O’Keefe in the court,” Mr Reiss said.

“Someone who is qualified as a lawyer and has been in court on several occasions, there have been several warnings.

“I am presented with a man who cannot be trusted with complying with directions.”

“The transcript will say I was not arguing, I was trying to help you Your Honour,” O’Keefe insisted. “You have no interest in justice.”

Bail was denied and O’Keefe will face contempt of court unless he retracts and apologises for his behaviour. He will return to court for a hearing in June.

O’Keefe has pleaded not guilty to all charges.