Cousins fails drug test

FALLEN former West Coast and Richmond star Ben Cousins will not be released from prison at the end of this month after failing a drug test.

The 2005 Brownlow medallist was jailed for 12 months in March for stalking his former partner and drug possession.

But Cousins was eligible for parole at the end of this month, taking into account time already served.

According to Cousins’ lawyer Michael Tudori, the 39year-old failed the drug test while on remand but said the former Eagles captain was now drug-free in prison.

“I can confirm that Mr Cousins’ parole application has been delayed awaiting for him to complete further rehabilitation courses which are now only becoming available to him,” Mr Tudori said.

“He will be eligible to reapply for parole upon completion of those courses in due course.

“Although when Mr Cousins was first remanded in custody he tested positive to an illicit substance on one occasion, he is currently drug free and in positive spirits.”

The test revelation comes just weeks after Cousins’ father Bryan said he feared his son wouldn’t be able to turn his life around in prison.

Cousins has been ordered to complete extra rehabilitation before he will be eligible for parole.

The positive test has also raised questions over how Cousins accessed the drugs while behind bars.

Mr Tudori strongly denied any suggestion Cousins was involved or connected to smuggling drugs into prison.