Former cricketer Stuart MacGill guilty of taking part in the supply of cocaine in Sydney

Former Australian cricketer Stuart MacGill has been found guilty by a jury of participating in the supply of cocaine in Sydney. MacGill, 54, faced allegations that he was involved in the supply of a significant quantity of prohibited drugs. The charge stemmed from his introduction of his cocaine dealer to his partner's brother, Marino Sotiropoulos, in April 2021.

The prosecution argued that this introduction amounted to facilitating a drug supply, as the dealer and Sotiropoulos allegedly subsequently organized a 1-kilogram cocaine deal worth A$330,000. The New South Wales District Court jury was informed that while MacGill's involvement was limited to the introduction, the dealer was also involved in two other alleged supplies, including one where he handed Sotiropoulos' associate a vacuum-sealed A4 paper bag instead of cash.

The dealer, referred to as "Mr. A" for legal reasons during the proceedings, testified in a closed court. Prosecutor Gabrielle Steedman invited jurors to accept his testimony, stating that it was supported by other records before the court. MacGill pleaded not guilty, and his defense lawyer cast doubt on Mr. A's credibility, arguing that his actions were deceptive and dishonest in several respects.

After approximately seven hours of deliberation, the jury acquitted MacGill of knowingly participating in the supply of a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug. However, he was found guilty of a separate charge of knowingly participating in the supply of a prohibited drug – but without the large commercial quantity element. MacGill showed little reaction in the dock upon hearing the verdict and made no comment as he left the court.

Mr. A's "sting" involving fake cash bags concerned an alleged transaction of 2 kilograms of cocaine worth A$660,000 and was linked to MacGill's kidnapping. MacGill stated that he had been threatened and subsequently driven by a group of men to Bringelly, where he was stripped, assaulted, and unlawfully detained. The former cricketer personally testified in his defense, denying involvement in any drug supply and telling jurors that his "only role in this whole debacle was introducing Mr. A to Marino."

MacGill admitted that he was a casual cocaine user at the time – but not an addict – spending A$400 to A$600, occasionally up to A$800, per week on the drug. The prosecution claimed that MacGill told Mr. A that his brother-in-law could "get good stuff," but he denied this during cross-examination. He insisted that the introduction in the parking lot of his Neutral Bay restaurant, Aristotle's, took only seconds and was neither "setting anything up" nor done after he acted as a negotiating middleman, as the prosecution alleged.

The former spin bowler called Sotiropoulos an "idiot" and a "wannabe" who often "spouted nonsense" about drugs and being "tough" at the restaurant. "It was almost like an episode of Narcos, it was ridiculous," he said. However, he stated that he had never seen Sotiropoulos take drugs. During cross-examination, MacGill recalled thinking that the dealer and Sotiropoulos had shared interests and could "become best friends"; he said he wanted to "get rid of Marino." "What interests did Marino have that were similar to Mr. A's interests?" Steedman asked at one point. "Drugs," MacGill replied. "What about them?" the prosecutor asked. "Drugs, that's it," he answered.

MacGill testified that before the kidnapping, Sotiropoulos told him that the "only way" to "get out" of "big trouble" was to find Mr. A, but Mr. A was not responding to MacGill's messages. One message read: "I'm running out of time, mate, I don't understand why you would do this to me on purpose. I'm just trying to help." MacGill became emotional as he recalled frantically preparing for the kidnapping, including hiding on the roof, in the gym, and in his car.

The court was informed that Mr. A was not charged in connection with the alleged drug supplies, but he was charged over items found in his grandmother's apartment, including unauthorized firearms and ammunition, cocaine, 15 mobile phones, three sets of scales, resealable bags, and nearly A$300,000 in cash. He remains on parole after receiving a 50% sentence reduction, with a sentence of three years and three months, including a non-parole period of 20 months. MacGill's case is expected to return to court in May for sentencing proceedings.