Former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg given non-harassment order
Former Scotland rugby union captain Stuart Hogg was Thursday given a five-year non-harassment order and fined after breaching bail conditions by contacting his estranged wife.
The 32-year-old had his sentencing for abusing Gillian Hogg over the course of five years deferred until January 9 for clarification on whether a community order with remotely monitored supervision can be imposed.
Hogg, who plays for French club side Montpellier, previously admitted breaching bail conditions by repeatedly contacting his former partner in June.
Prosecutor Drew Long told Jedburgh Sheriff Court in southern Scotland on Thursday there had been contact between Hogg and Gillian Hogg between June 26 and 30 this year, and one night she received 28 texts from him.
Sheriff Peter Paterson handed him a five-year non-harassment order, barring him from approaching or contacting Gillian Hogg and also fined him £600 ($760).
Hogg, dressed in a tweed jacket and dark tie, who attended court accompanied by his parents, previously pleaded guilty to a single charge of domestic abuse of his estranged wife when he appeared at Selkirk Sheriff Court on November 4.
He admitted shouting and swearing, tracking her movements and sending her messages that were alarming and distressing in nature.
The court previously heard he berated Gillian Hogg for "not being fun" after going on drinking binges with his colleagues, and once sent her more than 200 text messages in the space of a few hours, which prompted a panic attack.
The court was previously told Hogg is in the process of a divorce.
Lawyer Angela Gray, representing Hogg, said on Thursday he would be remaining in France until at least March next year.
She also said Hogg accepts his behaviour was "unacceptable", adding: "He has made mistakes and he has learned from them. He has taken the time to look inward and reflect."
Sheriff Paterson said he would defer sentencing until January 9 "for clarification about whether I can impose a community order with supervision to be monitored remotely".
The former Glasgow Warriors and Exeter player, one of Scotland's all-time leading try scorers, won his final cap in March 2023. He also represented the British and Irish Lions.
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