Ben Cousins banned from driving and fined over low-speed chase

Former West Coast Eagles footballer Ben Cousins has been fined and disqualified from driving over a low-speed pursuit in Perth.

Cousins, 37, was charged after the pursuit in March.

He pleaded guilty in the Fremantle Magistrates Court to reckless driving, failing to stop for police and failing to give a breath sample.

Cousins was fined $2,600 and was disqualified from driving for 10 months.
He was also ordered to pay court costs of $79.

The court heard that Cousins had been suffering from a delusion, believing his parents and brother were being held against their will. 

After initially contacting police and determining that his parents were okay, he drove from Bicton to Mosman Park.

Police gave pursuit, and while speeds were lower than the limit, the court heard Cousins ran several red lights.

The first police car gave up the chase, but a second vehicle pursued Cousins in Mosman Park.

The court was told that Cousins had told police he was driving to his brother's home.

But when he stopped the car, he got out and ran, and after police caught him, they gave him a breath test.

Cousins' lawyer Michael Tudori told the court that while that test showed a zero reading, he refused to provide a second sample.

After Cousins pleaded guilty, the court was told he was under an extended community treatment order.

Magistrate Steven Malley told Cousins his mental health issues were a result of taking drugs, and he was a "microcosm of what this court sees every day".

He referred to adults of all ages appearing in court in relation to charges laid because of amphetamine use, and said he wondered "where it's all going to end".

The court heard that with the licence disqualification, arrangements would be made for Cousins to be transported to and from his fencing job in Collie.

Cousins 'doing well', lawyer says

Outside the court, lawyer Michael Tudori said his client was trying to get on with his life.

"Ben's relieved it's all finally come to an end, he's obviously getting his life on track, he's doing some work and starting to work towards a positive lifestyle," he said.

"He wants to put this all behind him and continue with his life and just dedicate himself to his family and to work.

"Ben is doing well, but in terms of specifics, it's a private matter between Ben and his doctors."

Mr Tudori said the community treatment order required Cousins to continue with treatment and comply with doctors' orders, otherwise there was an option of him being placed in a mental health facility.

Mr Tudori had told the court that Cousins had not acted "erratically" since March.
The pursuit was the first of three incidents involving Cousins in March.

He was later found at the SAS barracks in Swanbourne, but no charges were laid. 
Later in the month, he was seen acting strangely outside a Sikh temple, and ran away when police arrived.

He was later found on the roof of a home throwing tiles.
Cousins was fined $800 last month after he pleaded guilty to trespass and criminal damage in relation to that incident.