Stuart MacGill Found Guilty of Cocaine Supply, Cleared of Commercial Supply

Former Australian Cricketer Stuart MacGill Found Guilty of Cocaine Supply

Stuart MacGill, a former Australian test cricketer, has been found guilty of taking part in the supply of cocaine by a Sydney court. The 54-year-old was cleared by the jury of involvement in the commercial supply of the drug.

MacGill, who had pleaded not guilty, admitted to the use of cocaine and to introducing his partner's brother to his drug dealer. Prosecutors allege that the pair later made a deal for A$330,000 (£160,000) worth of cocaine, but MacGill maintained his involvement was limited to the introduction, which occurred at his Sydney restaurant in April 2021.

A month later, MacGill was abducted by a group of men. He was taken to an abandoned house where he was beaten and threatened with a gun. Police said MacGill delayed reporting the incident due to "significant fear."

Detective Acting Superintendent Anthony Holton described the ordeal as "a horribly traumatic experience to endure." He added, "To be dragged into a car, driven to a remote location, physically assaulted, threatened with a firearm, held for a period of time then dumped, I think you'd be pretty worried about your own personal safety, the safety of your family and your friends."

MacGill sustained minor injuries but did not require medical treatment. The Australian Cricketers' Association expressed concern for his well-being. Spokesman Todd Greenberg said, "Stuart is a wonderful former Australian cricketer and member of the ACA. My primary concern for Stuart is his wellbeing. We've reached out to him in a variety of different forms and my primary message to Stuart is we want to make sure he is OK."

MacGill, a spin bowler who likely would have played more than 44 tests if not for being a contemporary of Shane Warne, will return to court for sentencing in May.