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ABC News
ABC News
National
Sean Tarek Goodwin 

Ex-cricket star Stuart MacGill cleared of intimidating, threatening Sydney bar owner

Stuart MacGill had been drinking with his friend Stephen Kerlin when the incident took place last year. (AAP: Jason O'Brien )

Former cricket star Stuart MacGill has been cleared of intimidation and using offensive language in public over an incident at The Rocks in Sydney on 2022.

The complainant, Argyle Bar owner Samantha Ford, had alleged he screamed and threatened her while drinking with her ex-partner.

She gave evidence, along with other witnesses, during several days of hearings in January this year. 

On Friday, Magistrate Christine Haskett found Ms Ford's evidence was not consistent with CCTV evidence, or that of other witnesses in the area.

Mr MacGill had been drinking with his friend Stephen Kerlin on February 1, 2022 when they encountered Ms Ford across the road at The Rocks, where a verbal altercation took place.

The complainant had told the court the former Test cricketer screamed at her, calling her a "c***" several times.

The two men then went into the nearby Captain Cook Hotel on Kent Street. 

Ms Ford claimed the former cricketer had screamed and threatened her while drinking with her ex-partner. (AAP: Bianca De Marchi)

Ms Ford claimed she followed the men into the establishment to tell the venue's manager not to serve them any more alcohol. 

She alleged Mr MacGill blocked her in the doorway and continued to swear at her and threaten her. 

But the Magistrate Haskett found witness accounts from the street, and inside the bar, contradicted that version of events. 

"Much of Ms Ford's evidence is totally inconsistent with the CCTV footage and the evidence of the various witnesses," she said.

"I am not satisfied that her evidence is truthful and reliable beyond reasonable doubt."

The Magistrate decided that all charges against him should be dropped. 

Mr MacGill, who appeared by video link, shed a tear as the outcome was announced.

Speaking outside the court, his lawyer, Steven Mercael, told the media the prosecution's case was based on "untruthful evidence and it should never have gone to court".

Ms Ford sat at the back of the court during the verdict.

She declined to comment when she left.

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