Australia’s Former Cricketer Penalised for Role in Drug Deal

The former Australian cricketer, Stuart MacGill, was found guilty on Friday and nearly avoided jail time.

Former Australian spinner Stuart MacGill was found guilty of involvement in a drug case. He was found guilty two months ago, but the hearing of his sentence was adjourned. As his sentence, he was given a 22-month intensive corrections order and 495 hours of community service.

Along with involvement in a cocaine deal, MacGill was also suspected of participating in large-scale drug supply. However, the ex-Australian cricketer was cleared of that charge.

A Sydney District Court jury exonerated MacGill of facilitating a one-kg cocaine deal worth AUD 330,000 in April 2021. Still, he was convicted of taking part in the drug supply.

MacGill’s Drug Case

MacGill said in court that he introduced his regular drug dealer to his brother-in-law, Marino Sotiropoulos. This meeting took place in his restaurant on Sydney’s north shore. He said that he was unaware of the one-kg brick being exchanged. The prosecutors argued that the deal was not possible without his involvement.

Last year, MacGill was involved in an incident where he was allegedly kidnapped. The alleged kidnappers were two brothers, Richard and Fredrick Schaff. The brothers have claimed that MacGill willingly went to them and was involved in the drug trade.

MacGill appeared at Downing Centre District Court on Friday where the sentence of his punishment was announced. As per reports, former Test captain of Australia, Steve Waugh, wrote a letter to the court in support of his former teammate.

“I believe that Stuart has the background of knowledge accumulated in his life and playing days to appreciate all the options for the future and the hard work and steps required in this process,” the letter said.

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