Former Australian cricketer Stuart MacGill has been found guilty of involvement in a drug supply operation but was cleared of participating in a major cocaine deal, according to a ruling by the Sydney District Court on Thursday. The 54-year-old, who represented Australia in 44 Test matches and claimed 208 wickets, was acquitted of facilitating the exchange of one kilogram of cocaine valued at AUD 330,000 in April 2021. However, he was convicted on a lesser charge of participating in the supply of illegal drugs.
The court was informed that MacGill had introduced his regular drug dealer to his brother-in-law, Marino Sotiropoulos, during a meeting held beneath his restaurant in Sydney’s north shore. While MacGill denied any knowledge of the transaction’s specifics, prosecutors contended that the deal would not have proceeded without his involvement. Reports from Australian media noted that MacGill “showed little emotion” as the verdict was delivered. His sentencing hearing has been postponed for eight weeks.
This case is not the first time MacGill has been in the spotlight for controversial reasons. Last year, he was allegedly kidnapped in a separate high-profile incident. Two brothers, Richard and Frederick Schaaf, claimed in court that MacGill had voluntarily approached them and was involved in drug-related activities. However, law enforcement officials had previously stated that MacGill was a victim of abduction.
In an interview with former Australian wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist, MacGill recounted the alleged kidnapping. He described being forced into a car by three men as it grew dark. “I didn’t want to get in, and I told them twice, ‘I’m not getting in the car,’ but it became clear they were armed,” MacGill said. “They told me, ‘We know you’re not involved, we just want to talk.’ I was in the car for about an hour and a half.”
The Schaaf brothers have pleaded not guilty to charges of detaining a person in company, and their trial is scheduled to begin in mid-2024.
MacGill, who played as a leg-spinner and was often overshadowed by the legendary Shane Warne during his career, retired from international cricket in 2008. As he awaits sentencing, his legal troubles continue to unfold.
