A jury has found former Australian cricketer Stuart MacGill guilty of participating in the supply of cocaine. The verdict was delivered after an eight-day trial in the NSW District Court.
MacGill, 54, faced charges over an April 2021 introduction between his cocaine dealer and his partner’s brother, Marino Sotiropoulos. The jury determined that the introduction facilitated a drug deal worth $330,000 for 1kg of cocaine.
Figure 1: Stuart MacGill faced court over allegedly taking part in the supply of a prohibited drug. [AAP: Steven Markham]
Court Finds MacGill Played a Role in Drug Supply
MacGill pleaded not guilty to knowingly taking part in the supply of a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug. However, the jury found him guilty of a lesser charge—knowingly taking part in the supply of a prohibited drug.
The prosecution argued that MacGill connected his regular drug dealer, identified as Person A, with Sotiropoulos. They alleged that this meeting led to an agreement for a cocaine exchange.
The jury took about seven hours to reach the verdict. MacGill remained silent in court after the decision and left without commenting.
Meeting Under Restaurant Led to Drug Deal
The court heard that MacGill helped set up a meeting between Person A and Sotiropoulos under his Neutral Bay restaurant, Aristotle’s, on April 8, 2021. The prosecution claimed MacGill acted as a go-between before this meeting.
The Crown alleged that MacGill told Person A that his brother-in-law could “get good gear.” MacGill denied the claim.
Figure 2: Stuart MacGill at Aristotle’s restaurant.
The actual drug exchange did not occur at the restaurant. According to court evidence, the deal took place later in an Ashfield park.
MacGill Admitted to Regular Cocaine Use
During the trial, MacGill admitted to regularly buying cocaine from Person A. He told the court he spent between $400 and $600 a week on the drug. Sometimes, he spent up to $800.
However, he denied being addicted. He insisted he only introduced Person A and Sotiropoulos to distance himself from his brother-in-law.
Prosecution Presented Key Witness and Evidence
Person A gave evidence in closed court. Crown Prosecutor Gabrielle Steedman urged jurors to accept his account. She argued that records supported his testimony.
MacGill’s defence team questioned Person A’s credibility. They argued that he had a history of deception and dishonesty.
The court heard that Person A later organised two more drug deals, one involving 2kg of cocaine worth $660,000.
Fake Money Scam Led to MacGill’s Kidnapping
Person A scammed Sotiropoulos’ associates by handing them a vacuum-sealed bag of A4 paper disguised as cash. This led to a dispute.
MacGill was kidnapped outside his Cremorne home soon after. He told police he was taken to an abandoned house in Bringelly, on Sydney’s south-western outskirts.
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He testified that he was slapped, stripped naked, and threatened with bolt cutters. He believed he might be killed.
MacGill later messaged Person A, saying, “I’m out of time mate, I don’t understand why you would deliberately do this to me. I was just trying to help.”
Defence Argued MacGill Was a Victim
MacGill insisted he was not Stuart part of any drug deal. He claimed his only role was introducing Sotiropoulos to Person A.
He described Sotiropoulos Stuart as a “d***head” who often spoke about drugs but never had money. He said, “It was almost like it was an episode of Narcos, it was ridiculous.”
Under cross-examination, Stuart MacGill admitted he believed Person A and Sotiropoulos shared a common interest in drugs. He said he wanted to “palm Marino off.”
Person A Avoided Drug Supply Charges
Person A was not charged over the drug deals. However, police found cocaine, an unauthorised firearm, ammunition, 15 phones, scales, resealable bags, and nearly $300,000 in cash in his flat.
Person A received a three-year, three-month sentence for these offences. He served 20 months before being released on parole with a 50% sentence reduction.
Sentencing Set for Later This Year
MacGill’s case Stuart will return to court in May for sentencing proceedings. The former Test cricketer now faces legal consequences following the jury’s verdict.
