Stuart Hogg Faces Domestic Abuse Charges

Former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg has pleaded guilty to a domestic abuse charge involving his estranged wife, Gillian. This admission came during his appearance at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Details of the Charges

Hogg acknowledged his abusive behavior, which included shouting, swearing, and tracking Gillian’s movements. The court was informed that he sent messages of an alarming and distressing nature, with one incident involving him sending over 200 messages in just a few hours.

Sheriff Peter Paterson has deferred sentencing until 5 December to allow for background reports.

History of Abuse

The charge against Hogg relates to a pattern of repeated abusive conduct over a five-year period leading up to August of this year. His actions reportedly caused Gillian significant fear and alarm.

Testimonies from the court revealed that the 32-year-old athlete frequently shouted and swore at his wife while they lived together in various locations including Hawick, Glasgow, and even Exeter during his time with the Exeter Chiefs. The impact of this behavior was severe; at one point, it led Gillian to experience a panic attack, prompting her to seek assistance from domestic abuse services.

Furthermore, following their separation in 2023, Hogg continued to monitor Gillian’s whereabouts using the Find My Phone app and inundated her with text messages, sometimes numbering in the hundreds within mere hours.

The situation highlights the serious nature of domestic abuse and its profound effects on victims. The upcoming sentencing will further address the implications of Hogg’s actions within this distressing case.