Cricketing legend Stuart MacGill has been found guilty of facilitating a cocaine deal between his partner’s brother, Marino Sotiropoulos, and a street-level drug dealer after a jury rejected his claim that he was merely an introducer.
The guilty verdict was returned after an eight-day trial in the NSW District Court, with MacGill convicted of the lesser charge of taking part in the supply of a prohibited drug.
He was acquitted of taking part in the supply of a large commercial quantity of the drug.
MacGill was accused of assisting in the setup and attending a meeting between Sotiropoulos and a drug dealer, known only as Person A, under his Neutral Bay restaurant in April 2021.
The Crown Prosecutor alleged that the two men agreed to exchange $330,000 for 1kg of cocaine, a transaction that MacGill helped facilitate by introducing them.
During the trial, MacGill denied any involvement in the deal, claiming he only introduced the two men to “palm off” Sotiropoulos.
He said he was unaware of any drug exchange and was only present for a brief introduction. However, the jury found his version of events unconvincing.
MacGill, who had a regular relationship with Person A, was also alleged to have complained about the quality of cocaine and suggested Sotiropoulos could provide better drugs.
Despite his defence, the jury found him guilty of facilitating the drug supply.
The case also involved two further alleged drug deals, including one where Person A fled with the drugs after handing over fake money, leading to MacGill being kidnapped.
MacGill will face sentencing proceedings later this year.
Source: News.
