Stuart MacGill, a former Australian Test cricketer, was acquitted by a Sydney District Court jury of participating in a large-scale cocaine deal that unfolded beneath his restaurant. The court found that while MacGill was aware he was involved in a drug transaction, he was unaware of the significant scale, which involved the exchange of $330,000 for a kilogram of cocaine.
The details presented to the jury revealed that the negotiation for the drug deal was struck between MacGill’s regular drug dealer and his brother-in-law, Marino Sotiropoulos. Although MacGill arranged a meeting at his establishment on Sydney’s north shore, he claimed he did not know the specifics of the deal set to occur there.
Prosecutors contended that a transaction of such magnitude could not have happened without MacGill’s prior knowledge and involvement. However, the jury rejected the prosecution’s assertions regarding his awareness of the one-kilogram transaction but did find him guilty of a lesser charge related to drug supply.
Throughout the proceedings, MacGill displayed little reaction as the verdicts were delivered. His sentencing will be addressed in eight weeks. MacGill’s cricketing career spanned 44 Tests, often existing in the shadow of legendary spinner Shane Warne.