Troubled ex-TV star Andrew O'Keefe has had a court win despite what a magistrate described as the "sad reality" of his criminal history.
O'Keefe represented himself in Sydney's Downing Centre local court on Tuesday, when he pleaded guilty to driving while his licence was suspended on June 20 in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
But a magistrate accepted O'Keefe's explanation he was on his way to have his licence reinstated at the time and did not believe he was breaking the law.
The former Seven Network personality told the court he thought having completed a traffic-offenders course for an earlier offence meant he was legally allowed to drive to a Service NSW outlet.
"That was the suggestion I had," O'Keefe said.
"I understand that is wrong now."
O'Keefe was recognised by officers conducting an unrelated traffic stop and pulled over in the June incident, according to court documents.
He told them: "I'm just on the way to the RTA, I've got my thing here".
O'Keefe was given a conditional release order of 12 months without a conviction being recorded.
Magistrate Michael Allen noted the 52-year-old's recent criminal history, including convictions for domestic violence and drug possession, which are the subject of an appeal.
"The sad reality is you're no stranger to this place," Mr Allen said.
Speaking outside court, O'Keefe said he was happy with the sentence and hoped things would improve for him.
"A reasonable magistrate, which is always good," he told reporters.
"Lovely result."
Asked if things were "all up from here", O'Keefe said he hoped so.
"There's a bit to go but we'll find out shortly," he said.
O'Keefe still faces charges of contravening an apprehended violence order and intimidating a man, who he allegedly threatened during a run-in in late July.
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