• Former Aussie spinner spared jail

    Stuart MacGill avoided jail time on Friday when a Sydney judge sentenced him for taking part in the supply of cocaine.

    The 54-year-old former Australian Test cricketer was given an “intensive corrections order” – a sentence that is served in the community – of one year and 10 months, court papers showed.

    It includes 495 hours of community service and a requirement to abstain from alcohol and drugs, with mandatory testing.

    Judge Nicole Noman said the former bowler played an “indispensable role” in discussions leading to a cocaine deal, according to public broadcaster ABC.

    MacGill was found guilty of taking part in the supply of cocaine in March.

    Police said the retired leg-spinner introduced his personal cocaine dealer to an associate in 2021.

    The pair went on to organise a S$200,000 drug deal between themselves, police alleged.

    Although MacGill was not involved in the subsequent transaction, the jury found him guilty of knowingly taking part in the supply of a prohibited drug.

    MacGill played 44 Tests for Australia between 1998 and 2008.

    © Agence France-Presse

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    Simon Borchardt