Stuart Hogg: Former Scotland rugby captain handed non-harassment order and fined 拢600 for breaching bail
A court heard how Stuart Hogg, 32, berated his estranged wife for "not being fun", and once sent more than 200 text messages to her in the space of a few hours which caused her to suffer a panic attack.
Thursday 5 December 2024 16:38, UK
Former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg has been banned from contacting his estranged wife for five years and was fined 拢600 after breaching bail conditions.
Hogg, 32, last month pleaded guilty to a single charge of domestic abuse of his ex-partner, Gillian Hogg, between 2019 and 2024.
He was due to be sentenced at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday for that offence, but that has now been deferred until 9 January.
Hogg was handed the fine, a £40 victim surcharge, and a five-year non-harassment order after previously admitting breaching bail conditions by repeatedly contacting Mrs Hogg in June.
When Hogg returns to the dock next year, he will be punished for the domestic abuse that spanned five years.
Selkirk Sheriff Court previously heard how his bad behaviour occurred at various locations including Hawick in the Scottish Borders and Bearsden in East Dunbartonshire.
The sportsman admitted shouting and swearing, tracking Mrs Hogg's movements and sending her messages which were alarming and distressing in nature.
A court heard how he berated her for "not being fun" after going on drinking binges with his colleagues, and once sent more than 200 text messages to her in the space of a few hours which caused her to suffer a panic attack.
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The former Glasgow Warriors and Exeter Chiefs player, who plays for French club Montpellier, now lives abroad and is said to be in the process of a divorce.
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Hogg made his Scotland debut in 2012 and went on to make 100 appearances for his country.
He also made two appearances for the British and Irish Lions and was made an MBE for services to the sport in this year's New Year Honours list.
Following Hogg's guilty plea, Mrs Hogg thanked all those who had shown support.
She praised her family and friends, and also singled out those who had given her "a hi, a smile, a hug or even just a look to show they care".
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Mrs Hogg said she had thought "long and hard" about posting on Facebook, but added: "Now, it's time to start my next chapter.
"To move on and to keep showing my kids every day that strength comes from unconditional love and support around you, and even when it hurts, love wins."