Former Australian Test cricketer Stuart MacGill has avoided jail after being convicted of his involvement in a $330,000 cocaine deal that was later linked to his own kidnapping.
On Friday, the 54-year-old was sentenced in the NSW District Court to one year and 10 months’ imprisonment to be served via an intensive correction order (ICO), allowing him to remain in the community under strict supervision.
According to news.com.au, the court heard MacGill introduced his cocaine dealer to Marino Sotiropoulos, the brother of his partner, in April 2021. That introduction led to the exchange of $330,000 for a kilogram of cocaine.
While MacGill denied knowing the scale of the deal, the judge found he played “an indispensable role” in facilitating the transaction.
“Although his knowledge was limited… his conduct resulted in the supply of one kilogram of cocaine. He did so for no perceived benefit,” Judge Nicole Noman SC said in sentencing MacGill.
Days after the transaction, Sotiropoulos’ associates were allegedly defrauded in a follow-up deal, prompting threats against MacGill and culminating in his violent abduction. The former cricketer was kidnapped, assaulted, and later released in Sydney’s south-west.
The court acknowledged MacGill’s cooperation with police and his signs of rehabilitation, noting he had abstained from drug use since his 2023 arrest. His sentence includes 495 hours of community service, drug and alcohol testing, and psychological treatment.
Character references submitted ahead of sentencing, including one from former Test captain Steve Waugh, described MacGill as “responsible” and “resilient.”
He is reportedly considering an appeal against his conviction and sentence.
Source: news.com.au
