By Priscilla Jepchumba

Former Scotland rugby international Stuart Hogg, 32, has publicly admitted his troubling behavior towards his ex-wife, Gillian Hogg, for almost five years, from 2019 to 2024.

At a recent appearance at Selkirk Sheriff Court, he faced a serious domestic violence charge, which encompassed a series of disturbing incidents characterized by assault, intimidation and harassment.

These incidents are believed to have taken place in a variety of locations, including the picturesque town of Hawick, the bustling city of Glasgow and even Exeter, far from their home turf. Hogg’s admission highlights a troubling chapter in their relationship that has reverberated throughout the rugby community and beyond.

Currently playing for Montpellier in France, Hogg remains abroad during his divorce proceedings. Her misbehavior, which involved verbal abuse and excessive messaging, worsened over time, prompting Gillian to seek help from a domestic violence service in early 2023.

In one incident, Hogg sent her more than 200 text messages in a matter of hours, causing her to have a panic attack. The text details Mr Hogg’s disturbing behavior towards his wife, Mrs Hogg, including his use of a tracking app to monitor her movements upon their return to the Scottish borders in 2023.

His constant intimidation and questions about her whereabouts led her to feel scared and trapped. In February 2024, Hogg violated a lawful order by invading their home, prompting police intervention. He was arrested and later given a bail order barring him from any contact with his wife.

In August 2024, he attempted to communicate with her during a video call, thereby again violating the order. Angela Gray KC, defending Hogg, accepted that although some events did not meet the standards for prosecution, they were indeed criminal under the Domestic Violence Act 2018.

Hogg claimed he did not intend to be abusive even though he acknowledged his inappropriate behavior.

“Taken in isolation, it would have been unlikely that these incidents would have met the threshold required for prosecution in the criminal courts. Mr Hogg acknowledges that these isolated incidents are not what is expected of a husband. Hogg accepts that his conduct, considered under this framework (of the Domestic Abuse Act 2018), was criminal in nature,” Angela Gray KC said in defense of Hogg.

Sheriff Peter Paterson has postponed sentencing for Stuart Hogg until December 5, 2024.