“Even if convicted he would not get a term of imprisonment,” Michael Tudori told Chief Magistrate Stephen Heath.
The 33-year-old Cousins appeared in Perth Magistrates Court this morning to face a charge of possessing about 4.5g of methamphetamine with an intent to sell or supply after being busted at Esperance Airport last week.
His arrest was believed to have been the result of a wider police investigation into the WA drug trade.
Magistrate Heath jokingly replied: “Have you been reading the Sunday Times?”. This was a reference to weekend newspaper reports on the likelihood of the former West Coast Eagles superstar being sent to prison.
Police will allege Cousins, who has admitted a serious drug addiction, had the drugs hidden inside his body when he was arrested.
Cousins did not speak during the brief court appearance and was not required to plead to the charge. He was released on bail to re-appear in court on June 27 for a committal hearing.
His bail conditions were varied slightly and he was released on $2000 bail with the addition of a $2000 surety to guarantee his next court appearance.
Cousins arrived at court just after 10.30am with his lawyer Michael Tudori.
Leading Perth criminal lawyer Mark Andrew agreed with Tudori, saying there was “little chance” Cousins would go tot prison.
Andrews said Cousins would probably escape with a fine or community order and the charge of possessing a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply might be downgraded to simple possession.
