Marino Sotiropoulos is one of four men accused of kidnapping former Test cricketer

·

One of four men who allegedly kidnapped former Test cricketer Stuart MacGill is the brother of his ex-partner.

Marino Sotiropoulos, 46, is accused of confronting the retired leg-spin bowler on the corner of Parraween and Winnie streets in Cremorne on April 14.

Two other men allegedly bundled Mr MacGill into a car before driving to a home at Bringelly in Sydney’s west.

Detectives said he was then bashed and held at gunpoint for an hour before being dumped at Belmore in Sydney’s south-west.

Six days later, the incident was reported to police.

Four people have been arrested over the alleged kidnapping of Stuart MacGill. Photo: NSW Police/Cricket Times.

“Everyone experiences trauma differently — to be dragged into a car, driven to a remote location, physically assaulted, threatened with a firearm —I think you would be pretty worried about your own personal safety,” Detective Acting Superintendent Anthony Holton said.

“He was seen as someone that they could get money from, although no money was paid prior to him being released.”

Heavily armed officers stormed homes at Caringbah and Sutherland in Sydney’s south, arresting four men, including Mr Sotiropoulos.

Raids were also carried out at apartments in Brighton Le Sands and Marrickville.

For the past three years, Mr MacGill has been managing a restaurant and bar called Aristotle’s at Neutral Bay on Sydney’s lower north shore.

For the past three years the ex-cricketer has been managing a restaurant owned by former partner Maria O’Meagher. Photo: Yahoo Sport Australia / Instagram / NSW Police.

The Greek restaurant on Young Street is owned by his ex-partner, Maria O’Meagher.

Her brother, Mr Sotiropoulos, has been charged with take/detain company with intent to get advantage, occasion actual bodily harm, participate in a criminal group and supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity).

Three other men, aged 27, 29, and 42, also faced Sutherland Court on Wednesday and were refused bail.

Mr MacGill was seen leaving his Cremorne apartment in a car driven by detectives on Wednesday afternoon and it is believed he was required to make a further statement.

Mr MacGill played 44 Test matches for Australia, and three one-day internationals, between 1998 and 2008.

At the time, he was widely regarded as the world’s second-best leg-spinner, but his career largely played out in Shane Warne’s shadow.

In 2015, Mr MacGill sued Cricket Australia for $2.6 million for failing to pay him injury payments after his retirement.

Two years later, a confidential settlement was reached.

Source: ABC News.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Kia ad sparks outrage among Greek Australians over ‘Macedonian Marble’ reference

Kia Australia faces backlash from Greek Australians over an ad showing “Macedonian Marble” alongside Parthenon-style columns.

Unley High students enjoy second annual cultural immersion trip to Melbourne

The Unley High School Greek language programme successfully conducted its second annual interstate cultural immersion trip to Melbourne.

Tass Mourdoukoutas among departures as Perth Glory begin squad shake-up

Tass Mourdoukoutas is set to leave Perth Glory, with the club confirming his departure alongside three other players.

Panathinaikos unveil special jersey for Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament in Australia

Panathinaikos AKTOR has revealed a special edition jersey for the upcoming Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament in Australia.

Beloved International Cakes owner Bill Batzogiannis passes away

Melbourne’s Greek community is mourning the loss of Vassilis “Bill” Batzogiannis, beloved owner of International Cakes.

You May Also Like

Greece or Australia? Gina Mini says it’s complicated

Gina Mini shares the story of how she moved from Greece to Australia “for work” but then re-returned to Greece.

Much-loved multicultural advocate Jack Passaris OAM passes away

Much-loved multicultural advocate Jack Passaris OAM has passed away on Thursday, August 8 at the age of 89.

Dean Kalimniou presents ‘Pontus the Opera’ lecture in Melbourne

This year’s Pontian Genocide Memorial Lecture was presented by author, lawyer and Greek Genocide recognition activist Dean Kalimniou.