Former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg is set to be sentenced after admitting to abusing his estranged wife over a five-year period. Stuart Hogg pleaded guilty to a charge of domestic abuse of his ex-partner, Gillian Hogg, during a court appearance at Selkirk Sheriff Court on November 4. The court heard that Hogg shouted and swore at his wife, tracked her movements, and sent alarming and distressing messages. He criticised Mrs Hogg for not joining in drinking binges with colleagues and bombarded her with over 200 text messages in a few hours.
Stuart Hogg, who plays for French club Montpellier, will face sentencing at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday. The 32-year-old, who retired from professional rugby last July before returning to the sport with Montpellier, admitted to the charge of domestic abuse between 2019 and 2024 at various locations including Hawick in the Scottish Borders. The court was informed that Hogg’s behaviour deteriorated after the couple moved to Exeter in 2019 with their three young children.
Prosecutor Drew Long highlighted instances where Hogg’s actions caused distress to Mrs Hogg, leading her to seek advice from a domestic abuse service. Despite being placed on a bail order not to contact his wife or enter the family home, Hogg continued to send a high volume of messages, triggering a panic attack in Mrs Hogg.
On February 21 this year, police were called due to Hogg’s aggressive behaviour, resulting in his arrest and subsequent release on bail with strict conditions. The court revealed that Hogg had been residing abroad and was going through a divorce at the time of the incidents. Despite these challenges, Hogg signed a two-year contract with Montpellier earlier this year, following his retirement from professional rugby.
In light of these events, Stuart Hogg’s sentencing will bring closure to a distressing chapter in his personal life and career. The case underscores the importance of addressing domestic abuse and seeking support for victims to break the cycle of violence.