Alleged Stuart MacGill kidnapper denied bail to fix teeth

Not giving one of the alleged Stuart MacGill kidnappers bail would have ‘visible consequences’, a court has been told.

One of the men accused of wielding a gun in the alleged Stuart MacGill kidnapping has been denied bail after asking to see a dentist.

Frederick Schaaf is one of four men who is alleged to have snatched up the former Test spinner from outside his home on Sydney’s north shore and held him hostage earlier this year.

The 27-year-old on Wednesday appeared in the Manly Local Court, where he was supported by a group of friends and family.

Mr Schaaf watched via audiovisual link from prison as he was denied bail by magistrate Miranda Moody, who said she was worried he would abscond in an attempt to escape facing court.

Stuart MacGill, seen here with his partner Maria O'Meagher, has claimed he was kidnapped and held hostage at gunpoint. Source: Supplied

The court was told that Mr Schaaf had previously had warrants issued for his arrest in 2017, 2015 and 2014.

The court was also told he had a history of violent offences, including domestic violence-related matters, and had spent time in prison.

Mr Schaaf and his brother Richard have both been charged with participating in a criminal group and take/detain in company with intent to get advantage occasioning actual bodily harm over the alleged incident.

Frederick Schaaf was denied bail when he appeared in Manly Local Court on Wednesday. Picture: Supplied

Mr Schaaf’s barrister Ian McLachlan told the court that if the matter were to proceed to trial, it might not be until 2023 and, before that time, Mr Schaaf’s teeth could decay to the point that he would have to have them removed.

“He’s also missing his back teeth and they need treatment urgently … and if nothing is done there will be visible consequences,” Mr McLachlan said.

Mr MacLachlan also said the crown case against his client was “not a weak one but not a strong one”.

Richard Schaaf has also been arrested in relation to the alleged Stuart MacGill kidnapping. Picture: Supplied

It’s been alleged that Mr MacGill was forced into a vehicle near his home at Cremorne on April 14.

He was allegedly taken to a Bringelly property in Sydney’s southwest and assaulted and threatened with a gun, and demands were made for money.

He was held for an hour before being driven to Belmore, in southwestern Sydney, where he was let go.

Four men have been arrested and charged over the alleged plot, including Marino Sotiropoulos, who is the brother of Mr MacGill’s partner Maria O’Meagher.

Police have alleged that Mr Sotiropoulos and a man known as “Sonny” were involved in a drug deal that went wrong.

It’s further alleged that the group had demanded money from Mr MacGill after he provided the introduction between Mr Sotiropoulos and “Sonny”.

Police have repeatedly reiterated that Mr MacGill is not suspected of being involved in any drug transaction, and the former cricketer this week denied having any knowledge of the deal.

Stuart MacGill has claimed that he was kidnapped earlier this year. Picture: Adam Yip/ Daily Telegraph

Police prosecutor Adrian Walsh argued there was a concern Mr Schaaf would fail to appear, commit further serious offence and interfere with witnesses if granted bail.

“There is strong evidence contained in the facts to support the proposition this accused is complicit in what has occurred in relation to this matter,” Mr Walsh said.

Mr Schaaf was denied bail by Ms Moody, who said she was worried he would fail to appear, despite the offer by friends and family to give up a $50,000 surety.

“This is very serious offending and …. my greatest concern is his failure to appear,” Ms Moody said.

She also noted he could receive dental treatment within prison.

Mr Sotiropoulos’s matter was also briefly mentioned in Manly Local Court on Wednesday and was adjourned until June 30 when the brief of evidence will be served on the defence.

He has been charged with take/detain in company with intent to get advantage occasioning actual bodily harm participating in a criminal group and supplying a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug.

Police have released CCTV of two men wanted for questioning over the alleged kidnapping of former Test spinner Stuart MacGill. Picture: NSW Police

A comfit of a man known as ‘Sonny’ who police hope to interview over the alleged Stuart MacGill kidnapping. Picture: NSW Police.

Police on Tuesday released CCTV footage of two men they are seeking in relation to the alleged kidnapping.

The men were shown entering a Bunnings in northwest Sydney, where police said they bought a number of items used in the alleged abduction.

Police also released a comfit image of a third man who they alleged was “Sonny”.