Police urge more victims of domestic abuse to come forward following Stuart Hogg sentencing
Last updated 11 hours ago
It’s hoped the sentencing of former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg will give more victims of domestic abuse confidence to come forward and report their abusers.
The 32-year-old from Hawick - who plays for French side Montpellier - was given a one-year Community Payback Order (CPO) with 12 months supervision, after engaging in a course of behaviour which was abusive of his partner, or former partner, over a period of five years.
In addition to the £640 fine he received for breaching bail conditions, he has also been served with a fresh non-harassment order which bans him from approaching or contacting, or attempting to approach or contact Gillian Hogg, for the next five years.
And Hogg - who was awarded an MBE in the 2024 New Year honours list for services to rugby union - has been warned any breach of that could lead to a jail sentence.
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Welcoming the sentence, Detective Sergeant Jade Wardell, from Police Scotland, said: “Domestic abuse in any form is completely unacceptable."
But she added: “Without the victim coming forward and reporting these incidents to us, we would not have been able to ensure that Hogg faces the consequences."
“Police Scotland will not tolerate domestic abuse of any kind. If you are experiencing or have experienced any type of abuse, please contact us on 101. You can be assured of being fully supported by specialist officers and our partner agencies."
WATCH: Click on the link below to view our video from court...
The offending took place between April 2019 and August 2024 at various locations including at addresses in the Scottish Borders.
Hogg would regularly shout and swear at his former partner in the family home, using particularly offensive language and criticising her for not being ‘fun’.
The court heard how this was often in response to her wanting to stay upstairs looking after their children rather than going to drink with him and his friends.
Hogg, who was described as being ‘angry’ and ‘controlling’ during the relationship, left his victim scared by his behaviour when he had been drinking.
She reported ‘wishing for it to be morning as quickly as possible so that he would sober up and things would stop’.
READ MORE: Former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg is sentenced for domestic abuse
Hogg’s abuse also included tracking his former partner’s movements by using an app on her mobile phone and quizzing her about who she was socialising with.
He also sent the victim alarming and distressing messages during their marriage and a significant number of messages at various points after it broke down.
Latterly, this included days where he sent in excess of 200 text messages over a period of a few hours, despite having been asked to leave his former partner alone.
Lynne Barrie, procurator fiscal for Lothian and Borders, said: "Stuart Hogg has now been convicted and held accountable for subjecting his estranged wife to years of domestic abuse.
"The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service recognises the devastating impact of domestic abuse and is committed to the robust prosecution of offences, regardless of who the offender is.
"No-one should have to live in fear of a partner or former partner. The trauma suffered by victims - and children who witness these crimes - is significant.
"I would urge anyone affected by similar offending to come forward and report it.
"We will use all the tools available to us to secure justice, and you will be listened to and supported throughout the process."
Scottish Women's Aid has criticised the sentence - saying it's not proportionate to the 'harm this man has caused'.
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