Ben Cousins fined for meth possession but could face trial on family violence

FALLEN AFL champion Ben Cousins has been fined $1750 for possessing meth when he was arrested last year, but could stand trial over alleged family violence offences if negotiations stall.

The 40-year-old drug addict was arrested at a Canning Vale house in August, and was charged with 18 offences including aggravated stalking and possessing a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply.

But defence lawyer Michael Tudori told Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday one of the three drug charges had been downgraded to match the other two possession charges following negotiations.

About 13g of meth was found in Cousins’ anus, while some was also found in a capsule, clip seal bags and syringes.

Mr Tudori said Cousins’ usage was so high that the amount of drugs would only last him three or four days, and there was no intention to sell or supply the drugs.

“The more you take, the less effect it has,” Mr Tudori said.

But he said his client was looking cleaner and healthier compared to when he was arrested and went on a rant in court as he unsuccessfully tried to apply for bail.

Chief Magistrate Steven Heath said Cousins’ record clearly indicated his drug use and the problems that came with it were the result of addiction.

“It’s a hard road and only one that you can go down when you’re ready,” he said.

The former West Coast captain, who appeared in court via video link from prison, was fined $1750 and ordered to pay costs of $312.80.

Cousins also had a charge of aggravated burglary downgraded to trespassing and he is expected to plead guilty on March 6.

The remaining stalking and family violence charges, which are the most serious, have been sent back to Armadale Magistrates Court on March 5.

Mr Tudori flagged Cousins could face a trial but he was hopeful of a resolution.

The court previously heard Cousins allegedly threatened his ex-partner, who has a violence restraining order against him.

The Brownlow medallist was released from Acacia prison in January last year, about two months shy of his one-year sentence for stalking Ms Tinecheff.

Cousins has been behind bars since his arrest in August.

Outside court, Mr Tudori, who has represented Cousins for a long time, said he believed the premiership player wanted to become drug-free.

“His mindset at the moment is very good. He wants to address his problems,” Mr Tudori told reporters.

“This is probably the clearest I’ve seen him – he’s the one that’s approaching me about rehabilitation.

“His predicament at the moment precludes him from going to a lot of rehabilitation places.”