Former Australian Test cricketer Stuart MacGill has pleaded not guilty to stalking and intimidating a Sydney bar owner three weeks ago.
The ex-spin bowler, 51, was unable to attend the Downing Centre in Sydney this morning because he is self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19.
Police say Mr MacGill and another man verbally abused Samantha Ford — licensee of The Argyle in The Rocks — outside a home and then a bar on Kent Street at Millers Point on February 1.
After handing himself into Day Street Police Station on Friday, Mr MacGill was charged with intimidating and using offensive language in a public place.
On the night of the alleged incident, Stephen Kerlin, 54, was charged with common assault, intimidation and breaching an apprehended violence order (AVO).
Police are seeking to take out an AVO against Mr MacGill to protect Ms Ford.
Magistrate Susan Horan ruled Mr MacGill could have his bail continued after his lawyer entered pleas of not guilty on his behalf.
Mr MacGill was allegedly kidnapped off the street outside his home in Neutral Bay before being driven to a farm in Western Sydney in April last year.
According to court documents, the former restaurateur was stripped naked and assaulted over a failed cocaine deal worth more than $600,000.
Police believe Mr MacGill was an innocent man but was held responsible for the botched job after his friend allegedly stole 2 kilograms of the drug from his kidnappers.
Mr MacGill is due back in court in September.
