The Chase star found guilty of assaulting and spitting at a woman

The Chase host in Australia, Andrew O'Keefe, has avoided prison time after an assault trial verdict

A popular TV presenter in Australia has avoided a prison sentence despite an assault trial verdict that said his 'kicking and spitting' at a woman was "frightening and degrading".

Andrew O'Keefe, 53, is the former host of Australian TV shows including The Chase, on which he starred with British Chasers, The Governess Anne Hegerty and The Beast Mark Labbett. He was found guilty in January of common assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, alongside drug possession and violating an Apprehended Violence Order.

The TV presenter also hosted the Australian versions of Dragons Den and Deal Or No Deal was declared guilty of assaulting and spitting at a woman by the magistrate at Sydney Downing Centre Local Court following an incident in September 2021, in which O'Keefe forcefully pushed the woman against a doorway, causing injuries to her hand and wrist.

The court heard that he then attacked the woman, kicking her hard in the thigh which resulted in her falling to the ground. While the former TV host, who was defending himself, claimed that the injuries were self-inflicted, the magistrate condemned him for his actions.

The magistrate said: "You treated (the woman)... with disrespect. Your actions were violent and degrading. You placed her in a position of fear, not only for herself but for her children in their own home."

O'Keefe avoided a custodial sentence and was ordered to serve 18 months on a community corrections order for the offences. The court was told he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar affective disorder, for which he requires daily medication.

The TV star was also found guilty of being in possession of two illegal drugs, which were found in his apartment when he was arrested two days after the assault. He was fined $800 after being convicted.

O'Keefe has been a fixture on TV for many years, with him beginning his rise to fame on Big Bite, aired on Australia 's Channel Seven in 2003. He was also given the hosting job on Deal Or No Deal the same year, propelling him to being a household name. O'Keefe also hosted Weekend Sunrise, a weekend breakfast show, for 12 years, and presented The Chase Australia in 2015.

He had four children with wife Eleanor but they separated in 2017 and confirmed that they were divorced two years later.

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