Former Scotland rugby captain misses court ahead of upcoming domestic abuse trial

Former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg has missed a court appearance in the Scottish Borders ahead of his upcoming domestic abuse trial. 

The 32-year-old, who hails from Hawick, is facing charges relating to two women - including his partner or former partner - going back seven years.

Sheriff Peter Paterson told Jedburgh Sheriff Court: “I think, technically, he should've been here.”

But, acting for him today (Monday), solicitor Ross Dow, explained the full-back, who plays for French side Montpellier, had been told he didn't need to attend following a pre-trial hearing. 

Three days have been set aside for the trial in November.

Sentence has also been deferred on Hogg for breaching an earlier court order, barring him from contacting his ex wife, until that date.

Hogg, who is facing two stalking charges, is accused of engaging in a course of behaviour that was abusive of his partner, or former partner, between 2017 and 2024.

He is alleged to have tracked her movements, monitored her communications and repeatedly attempted to control family life.

He is also accused of shouting, swearing and acting aggressively towards her, and of repeatedly accusing her of infidelity.

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Hogg is further accused of attempting to approach or contact his partner, or former partner, on two occasions in August this year - despite a court order forbidding it.

It's alleged he used a video call on August 12th as a means of speaking directly to the woman named in the charge, against her will.

And, on August 17th, he's accused of parking his car in such a way as to prevent her from leaving an address in Hawick, where - it's alleged - he approached and spoke directly to her.

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Hogg is also charged with engaging in a course of conduct which caused a second named woman fear or alarm, at addresses in Hawick and elsewhere, between April 1st last year and August 23rd this year.

It's alleged he repeatedly phoned her at anti-social hours, repeatedly sent her messages of an alarming and distressing nature, and repeatedly contacted her having been asked not to do so.

Hogg denies all the charges, and the case will recall on November 4th.

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