Former footy star Ben Cousins in custody over alleged bail breach
Former footy star Ben Cousins has seen his bail revoked, despite handing over a sample that tested negative for drugs. A court heard the ex-West Coast star, who appeared shoeless in court, had already breached his bail conditions three times in previous weeks.
Law & Order
Don't miss out on the headlines from Law & Order. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Fallen West Coast Eagles star Ben Cousins is back behind bars after his bail was revoked over a diluted urine sample today.
Cousins arrived at Armadale Magistrates Court just after 12.30pm on Thursday and was walked into the front of the court building by two auxiliary police officers.
He had a jacket covering his hands and he was not wearing any shoes.
Flanked by three court security guards inside court, Cousins was led back into the cells after his bail was revoked following a recently supplied urine sample.
The court heard on Thursday Cousins supplied the sample recently after going on a significantly long run.
The court was told he went on the run as part of a rigorous training exercise in preparation for an upcoming football charity match and the City to Surf.
The court heard Cousins drank a “significant quantity” of water after exercising and before he gave the urine sample.
The person he supplied the sample to told him it was diluted.
Cousins, the court was told, informed the person he could supply another sample if needed but he left the facility soon after, on the understanding the sample was adequate.
Defence lawyer Aaron Plenderleith told the court the sample in question was negative for drugs and that Cousins told the collector he had just rehydrated.
Mr Plenderleith said Cousins should have his bail reinstated and had made major inroads recently with his family relationships.
Cousins, Mr Plenderleith said, was currently working two jobs and was self funding his drug rehabilitation through Whitehaven.
“Those around him have seen an improvement in him,” Mr Plenderleith said.
But magistrate Steven Malley noted Cousins had now breached his bail conditions three times in the past fortnight.
He said Cousins had been warned before about proving diluted urine samples.
“He’s been given a significant amount of leniency,” Mr Malley said.
“He’s crossed the line.”
A police prosecutor told the court: “A line in the sand needs to be drawn...he’s had his chances.”
Cousins did not speak during the court hearing, which lasted about 15 minutes.
His lawyer declined to comment further as he left court.
COUSINS’ HISTORY
Premiership captain Cousins won the 2005 Brownlow Medal and played 238 games at West Coast before resurrecting his career at Richmond in 2009 where he played 32 games before retiring in 2010.
Cousins was released from prison in January after 10 months inside for stalking his ex-partner, with a trial date set for September 12 where the 40-year-old will answer 14 charges, 12 of which relate to breaching a family restraining order.
The former West Coast Eagles captain was jailed for causing “ongoing terror” to Maylea Tinecheff, with whom he has two young children.
Cousins called her more than 2000 times between October 2016 and February 2017.
In one month, he contacted her 542 times, including 103 times in one day.
When Cousins was arrested, police found eight grams of methamphetamine, which his lawyer, Mr Tudori told the court at the time would only last four days.
Cousins, 39, was fined $2400 for drug possession and driving without a licence.
During his time behind bars, he was involved in a minor scuffle but not injured.
He also failed a drug test, which delayed an earlier opportunity for parole.
MORE: LAWYER X: ‘IF I WAS HER PRIEST I WOULD’VE SAID RUN’
AUSSIE RETAIL ‘IN RECESSION’ SAYS DJS OWNERS
GUARDS CALLED TO FERAL MELBOURNE APARTMENT
In May, Cousins made a cameo appearance at a Richmond training session at Perth Stadium.
A bearded, long-haired Cousins was snapped boundary-side as the Tigers trained, accompanied by a child who had a stint kicking the ball with Dustin Martin.
Cousins’ father Bryan was also at training.
Young Tiger star Sydney Stack posted an Instagram photo alongside the 2005 Brownlow Medallist, with the caption ‘The greatest’ and a love-heart emoji.