'Unpleasant messages': Former Scotland captain spends night in police cells after breaching court order
Last updated 3rd Jul 2024
Former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg has spent a night in the cells after being arrested in connection with breaching bail conditions relating to his upcoming domestic abuse trial.
The 32-year-old, from Hawick, has this afternoon (Wednesday) pled guilty to repeatedly messaging his estranged wife between June 26th and 30th - despite a court order, issued on May 7th, forbidding it.
Jedburgh Sheriff Court heard Gillian Hogg appeared to have contacted him first relating to a financial matter.
And that he'd reacted, after consuming alcohol, after she posted a video on social media which "struck a chord".
Hogg's solicitor, Mat Patrick, asked that his client be released on bail as he has managed to obtain a contract with a club in France, and is due to travel there later this month to secure accommodation.
He pointed out he is also due to be best man at his brother's wedding this weekend.
Mr Patrick said: "He's finding (court) proceedings and the breakdown of his relationship difficult emotionally."
And he added: "He's had a night in the cells; he's never had that experience before."
WATCH: Click on the link below to view footage from the court...
India McLean, prosecuting, confirmed the messages weren't threatening. But, she added, some could be described as "unpleasant" and there were "a lot of them".
Sheriff Kevin McCarron warned Hogg, who is Scotland’s all-time leading try scorer: "It's only the fact that you have no previous convictions that allows you to maintain your liberty today."
Sentence has been deferred until July 15th, and Hogg has been released on bail to his brother's address meantime.
He's been banned from contacting Gillian Hogg - but the Sheriff said he will defer consideration of a non-harassment order until that date.
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This latest case comes after Hogg was arrested back in February at his estranged wife's house for allegedly engaging in a course of conduct which caused fear and alarm. He denied the charges and the case was continued to trial.
Sheriff McCarron said: “I will set additional conditions for you not to contact Gillian Hogg. No contact means no contact.
“Just to be clear, if there is any repeat of this it is highly unlikely you will be granted your liberty.”