Stuart MacGill, the former Test cricketer, finds himself embroiled in serious legal troubles as he stands trial for his alleged involvement in a drug deal gone wrong. Having pleaded not guilty to knowingly participating in the supply of a prohibited drug, MacGill’s case is currently being heard by a jury at Sydney’s Downing Centre District Court.
The court was informed that the troubled drug exchange began between MacGill’s brother-in-law, Marino Sotiropoulos, and an individual referred to as “Person A.” After a successful initial transaction, Person A absconded with $660,000 worth of cocaine, prompting threats against MacGill for information regarding the dealer or the return of the money. Just hours before his alleged kidnapping in April 2021, MacGill reportedly told his dealer, “I’m out of time, mate,” expressing confusion over the situation, claiming he was only trying to assist.
The jury learned that the drugs were concealed within a vacuum-sealed bag of paper, which was exchanged for cash. Following the theft, MacGill was forcibly taken and held at an abandoned location, where he was subjected to threats and intimidation before being released. Despite his long-standing history as a cocaine user and his previous transactions with Person A, MacGill later distanced himself from any drug supply involvement when he contacted police six days post-kidnapping.
Though he admitted to introducing Person A to Sotiropoulos, MacGill denied any deeper engagement in the drug trade, expressing that he had merely been a buyer for years. His relationship with Sotiropoulos’s sister, Maria O’Meagher, and joint management of the restaurant Aristotle’s in Neutral Bay were also highlighted during proceedings.
The prosecution outlined that MacGill was initially a trusted buyer, allowed to accrue around $1,000 in drug debts. His involvement reportedly included bringing Sotiropoulos into contact with the dealer after voicing concerns about the cocaine’s quality. However, MacGill’s defence is adamant that he played no active role in the ill-fated drug deal set up at the restaurant’s car park.
Throughout the trial, defence barrister Thos Hodgson stressed that MacGill had neither requested nor gained any benefit from facilitating the meeting between Sotiropoulos and Person A. He pointed out the significant question of the credibility of Person A, the key witness in the case, asserting that the jury should scrutinise the evidence presented with caution. With multiple layers to the case, it will ultimately be up to the jury to weigh the testimonies and determine MacGill’s fate.