Former Australian cricketer Stuart MacGill, renowned for his prowess as a spin bowler, is currently facing serious allegations of involvement in a large-scale cocaine deal. The 53-year-old, who played 44 Test matches for Australia and took 208 wickets, is now embroiled in a legal battle that has shocked the cricketing world.
SOURCE : ZEE
The allegations surfaced earlier this week at Sydney’s Downing Centre District Court, where MacGill is on trial for allegedly facilitating a cocaine deal. According to Crown prosecutor Gabrielle Steadman, MacGill is accused of setting up a meeting between a street-level drug dealer, referred to as “Person A” for legal reasons, and his brother-in-law, Marino Sotiropoulos. The deal reportedly involved the supply of one kilogram of cocaine worth AUD 330,000
Source:- bbc news
The court heard that MacGill, who was in a de facto relationship with Sotiropoulos’s sister, Maria O’Meagher, had been a regular cocaine user at the time of the incident. He allegedly introduced Person A to Sotiropoulos, claiming that his brother-in-law could provide better quality cocaine in larger quantities. The meeting took place in the underground car park of MacGill’s Neutral Bay restaurant, Aristotle’s, where the exchange of money and drugs was discussed
Steadman told the jury that MacGill’s role was limited to facilitating the meeting and that he did not participate in the actual drug exchange. However, the prosecution argued that his involvement was crucial in setting up the deal. The court was also informed that MacGill had been kidnapped and beaten by several men on April 14, 2021, in an incident related to the drug deal. He was released after several hours and reported the kidnapping to the police six days later
MacGill’s defense barrister, Thos Hodgson, maintained that MacGill had no knowledge of the drug deal and simply introduced Person A and Sotiropoulos. Hodgson argued that MacGill received no benefit from the exchange and had no further involvement in the matter. The defense also highlighted MacGill’s cooperation with the police following his kidnapping
The trial, which began on Tuesday, is expected to last for five to seven days. The jury will hear testimonies from various witnesses, including Person A, who allegedly planned to rip off the suppliers by using a fake bundle of cash. The court will also examine the circumstances surrounding MacGill’s kidnapping and the subsequent investigation.
As the trial unfolds, the cricketing community and fans are closely watching the proceedings. MacGill’s illustrious career, marked by his exceptional spin bowling, has now been overshadowed by these serious allegations. The outcome of the trial will determine the future of the former cricket star, who once dazzled audiences with his skills on the field.
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