Former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg is set to be sentenced after admitting to domestic abuse against his estranged wife, Gillian Hogg, over a five-year period. The sentencing, scheduled for Thursday at Selkirk Sheriff Court, follows Hogg’s guilty plea to a single charge of domestic abuse in November 2023.
Abuse spanning five years
The court previously heard that Hogg, 32, engaged in a pattern of abusive behaviour towards Mrs Hogg, including shouting, swearing, tracking her movements, and sending her alarming and distressing messages. The abuse occurred between 2019 and 2024 at various locations, including the Scottish Borders town of Hawick.
The prosecutor, Drew Long, detailed how Hogg’s behaviour worsened after the couple moved to Exeter in 2019 with their three young children. During this period, Hogg would berate Mrs Hogg for “not being fun” when she did not join his drinking binges with colleagues. In one instance, he sent over 200 text messages to her in just a few hours.
Escalation and panic attacks
In 2022, Mrs Hogg experienced public humiliation when Hogg bombarded her with messages during a night out, drawing the attention of her companions. By 2023, after moving to Hawick, Hogg used a tracking app to monitor her movements and questioned her whereabouts, including routine activities like dropping off their children.
Mrs Hogg ultimately sought advice from a domestic abuse service and decided to leave the rugby player. However, Hogg’s harassment continued, culminating in September 2023 when he sent her an overwhelming number of messages, causing her to suffer a panic attack.
Previous breach of bail conditions
Hogg’s abusive behaviour had already resulted in legal repercussions. In February 2023, police were called to the family home after he was found shouting and swearing. He was subsequently taken into custody and placed under a bail order prohibiting contact with Mrs Hogg.
Despite this, Hogg breached the conditions in June, sending her 28 texts in one night. He was fined £600, with an additional £40 victim surcharge, and was handed a five-year non-harassment order by Sheriff Peter Paterson in December.
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Deferred sentence and living abroad
Hogg’s sentencing for the domestic abuse charge was deferred in December 2023 to allow the court to consider whether a community order with remotely monitored supervision could be imposed, given that Hogg now resides abroad.
The court heard that Hogg, who retired from professional rugby in July 2023, has since resumed his career, signing a two-year contract with French club Montpellier.
Public recognition and controversy
Hogg, a celebrated rugby player with a decorated career, has faced a dramatic fall from grace. He was awarded an MBE in the 2023 New Year Honours list for his services to rugby. However, his actions off the field have cast a shadow over his achievements.
A message of accountability
The sentencing marks a significant moment in addressing domestic abuse, emphasising the importance of accountability, even for public figures. Sheriff Paterson is expected to determine the appropriate measures to address Hogg’s actions and prevent further harm.
As the case reaches its conclusion, it serves as a stark reminder of the enduring impact of domestic abuse on victims and their families. Mrs Hogg’s courage in coming forward has highlighted the pervasive issue of abuse within personal relationships, regardless of public status or professional success.
