Stuart Hogg Faces Domestic Abuse Charges

Former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg has pleaded guilty to a domestic abuse charge against his estranged wife, Gillian. During his appearance at Selkirk Sheriff Court, Hogg acknowledged his abusive behavior, which included shouting and swearing.

Details of the Case

Hogg admitted to tracking Gillian’s movements and sending her messages that were described as alarming and distressing. The court was informed that, at one point, he sent over 200 messages in just a few hours. Sheriff Peter Paterson has deferred sentencing until 5 December, pending background reports.

Currently playing for Montpellier in France, Hogg’s charge pertains to repeated abusive behavior over a span of five years, culminating in incidents up to August this year. His actions led to significant fear and alarm for Gillian.

The court detailed how the 32-year-old had a pattern of shouting and swearing at his wife while they resided in both Hawick and Glasgow, as well as during their time in Exeter when Hogg played for the Exeter Chiefs. These incidents were severe enough that they caused Gillian to experience a panic attack, prompting her to seek advice from domestic abuse services.

Monitoring Behavior

In addition to verbal abuse, Hogg exhibited controlling behavior by monitoring Gillian’s movements through the Find My Phone app after their separation in 2023. This included sending her hundreds of text messages within short timeframes, further exacerbating the situation.

This case highlights the serious nature of domestic abuse and its profound impact on victims, emphasizing the need for awareness and support for those affected.