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Stuart MacGill to appeal against conviction in drug deal; matter to be resolved in 2026

Mayank

Stuart MacGill was found guilty in a drug case earlier this year [dhoni113chennai/X.com]Stuart MacGill was found guilty in a drug case earlier this year [dhoni113chennai/X.com]

Months after being found guilty for helping set up a drug deal underneath Sydney restaurant, Australia legend Stuart MacGill looks to fight back in the case and is set to appear in the court on the other side of 2026, after he lodged an appeal against his conviction, as his lawyers appeared in the Court of Criminal Appeal on Thursday, December 18.

Why was Stuart MacGill convicted?

In March 2025, the former Australia leg-spinner was found guilty on one count for taking part in supply of cocaine from one party to another in his Sydney-based Neutral Bay restaurant back in April 2021. MacGill was sentenced  for a one year and 10 month intensive corrections order and was asked to do 495 hours of community service, avoiding jail time. Notably, the said drug deal is found to be a worth of $330,000.

During the proceedings, MacGill had admitted of introducing his regular cocaine supplier with a street-level dealer; however, claiming to have not taken any further part in the deal or the meetings. For his respite, while he was found not guilty in a rather serious charge of participating in the deal, as the jury was not satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt about the former cricketer being aware of the deal.

According to MacGill, he introduced his regular supplier, to whom he paid $200 for a gram of cocaine to the other party and left the scene before the meeting even took place, asserting innocence.

MacGill to appeal against conviction

Over six months after the conviction, the former player, who has played 44 Tests and 3 ODIs for Australia, picking 208 and 6 wickets, respectively, including 12 five-fers as a second fiddle to Shane Warne, has now appealed his sentence and his plea will be heard in the court in May 2026.

It is learnet that he will be represented by barrister Dominic Toomey SC, who has a reputation of being a "heavy hitter" according to registrar Peter Clayton.

Since he was found guilty, the ex-leggie has notably made several public appearances, including a podcast with presenter Mark Howard.