Ben Cousins to stand trial over alleged family violence offences

Troubled Brownlow medallist Ben Cousins will stand trial over alleged stalking offences after pleading not guilty. It comes as his lawyer plead for the ex-AFL star to be released from prison to seek further help for his drug problem.

Fallen AFL champion Ben Cousins will stand trial in Perth over alleged family violence offences after he pleaded not guilty to 14 charges.

The 40-year-old drug addict was arrested at a Canning Vale house in August and charged with 18 offences.

Cousins appeared in Armadale Magistrates Court on Tuesday via video link from Hakea prison where he pleaded not guilty to 12 counts of breaching a violence restraining order, and one count each of stalking and threat to harm.

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A trial date was set for September 12.

Defence lawyer Michael Tudori said the case hinged on the evidence of the complainant, Cousins’ ex-partner Maylea Tinecheff.

Cousins has been behind bars since his arrest in August and Mr Tudori flagged reapplying for bail.

Ben Cousins outside the Fremantle Magistrates Court in January 2017.

Mr Tudori told reporters outside court his long-term client looked good and was keen to stay healthy, but it was hard to get the help he needed in prison.

“With any person who’s going through a drug problem, the first step is them wanting to get help,” he said.

Mr Tudori could not say whether he was confident Cousins would be granted bail but believed it would be good for him.

“If he does get bail, the intention is that he will go into some rehabilitation,” he said.

Cousins’ grandmother was also in court to see him and told reporters he was doing well in prison and she hoped that matter would be resolved soon.

Former West Coast captain Cousins with his Brownlow Medal.

Cousins finished his AFL career at the Tigers in 2010.

Last week, the former West Coast captain pleaded guilty to the drug charges stemming from his arrest and was fined $1750 plus costs of $312.80.

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

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