Former Australian Test cricketer Stuart MacGill has lost his appeal against a conviction for drug supply stemming from a cocaine deal in 2021 that led to his kidnapping and assault. The NSW Court of Criminal Appeal dismissed his challenge to both the conviction and sentence.
MacGill, 55, was convicted in May 2025 of participating in the supply of 250g or less of cocaine. He was sentenced to a 22-month intensive corrections order and 495 hours of community service. Justice Anthony Payne rejected the appeal on Wednesday, stating, "The appeal is dismissed."
MacGill had argued that the trial judge erred in determining the precise quantity of drugs he believed were being exchanged. He was a regular cocaine user at the time and introduced his dealer to another individual in April 2021. While he did not receive any money from the transaction, valued at $330,000, his drug debt of $1,000 was reportedly wiped by his dealer for his involvement.
The deal ultimately went wrong, leading to MacGill being kidnapped and assaulted in a rural shed. His dealer subsequently stole two bricks of cocaine in a separate drug rip-off.
Once considered one of the world's premier leg-spin bowlers, MacGill played 44 Test matches for Australia, taking 208 wickets. He retired from cricket in 2008. He is currently working as a casual cricket coach and is on JobSeeker.
