'Gross human being': Ex-partner lashes 'out of control' Ben Cousins

Fallen AFL star Ben Cousins was accused by his ex-partner of humiliating his family after taking part in a “clearly drug-affected” paid television documentary, a Perth court has heard.

Cousins has pleaded not guilty to aggravated stalking and 20 counts of breaching a family violence restraining order relating to his ex-partner, Maylea Tinecheff, in April this year.

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He faced Armadale Magistrates Court on Tuesday for the start of a two-day trial.

The former West Coast Eagles captain has been behind bars since April after police found him in East Victoria Park in possession of about 2.5 grams of methamphetamine.

Ms Tinecheff told the court Cousins had relentlessly tried to contact her and their two young children despite being prohibited from doing so.

She said she and the children had moved house in April because Cousins "wouldn't take no for an answer" and his behaviour was “out of control”.

The court heard Ms Tinecheff had sent Cousins a text message urging him not to call again and criticising his appearance in a paid "tell-all" documentary on the Seven Network in March.

“You have no rights in the kids' lives - you don't consider them, your actions have proved that over and over again,” she wrote.

“You got on TV and humiliated all of your family, both sides, and left a mark on the kids' lives permanently showing no remorse, no love other than love for yourself, drugs and your filthy lifestyle.

“You haven't contributed to their existence ... you're a gross human being, not their dad. They are too good for you.”

Ben Cousins slammed over TV interview

Ms Tinecheff claimed Cousins was “clearly drug-affected” in the documentary, in which the Brownlow medallist apologised for bringing the Eagles into disrepute.

She said Cousins had also screamed at their children over the phone after Ms Tinecheff refused to let him see them for Easter, allegedly saying “why are you not answering my calls, I hate your mum ... you love Mum more than me”.

Cousins in April was denied bail after pleading guilty to possessing methamphetamine and incurring a $1500 fine.

The 41-year-old has had well-documented issues with meth addiction and 22 convictions for VRO breaches, 20 of which resulted in a prison sentence.

Cousins served almost a year behind bars for stalking Ms Tinecheff.

The trial continues.

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