Stuart Hogg Pleads Guilty to Domestic Abuse Charge

Former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg has pleaded guilty to a charge of domestic abuse against his estranged wife, Gillian. This plea was made during his appearance at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Details of the Offense

Hogg admitted to shouting, swearing, and behaving in an abusive manner towards Gillian. The court was informed that he had also engaged in repeatedly tracking her movements and sending her messages that were described as alarming and distressing.

Notably, the former player, who boasts 100 caps for Scotland, once sent over 200 messages within just a few hours. The charge reflects a pattern of behavior that persisted for five years, culminating in August of this year.

“The course of conduct caused her fear or alarm,” reported the court.

The evidence presented included instances where Hogg would regularly shout and swear at his wife while they resided in Hawick and Exeter during his tenure with the Exeter Chiefs.

Impact on Victim

The abuse escalated to a point where it caused Gillian to experience a panic attack, prompting her to seek assistance from domestic abuse services. After their separation in 2023, Hogg continued to monitor her movements using the Find My Phone app and sent her hundreds of text messages in rapid succession.

Sheriff Peter Paterson has deferred sentencing until December 5, allowing time for background reports and a full mitigation from Hogg’s legal team. Until that date, Hogg has been granted bail while awaiting a restriction of liberty assessment.

Career Overview

Hogg currently plays for Montpellier in France after retiring from rugby union prior to last year’s World Cup. His career highlights include achieving a century of senior caps and participating in three British and Irish Lions tours.

This case highlights serious issues surrounding domestic abuse and emphasizes the need for awareness and support for victims.