Ex-Scotland Rugby Captain Stuart Hogg Receives Community Sentence for Domestic Abuse

Former Scotland rugby union captain Stuart Hogg has been sentenced to a community payback order for domestic abuse of his estranged wife.

Former Scotland rugby union captain Stuart Hogg has avoided a jail sentence after pleading guilty to abusing his estranged wife, Gillian Hogg, over a period of five years. The 32-year-old was sentenced to a year's supervision on Thursday, following his admission of guilt.

Hogg had pleaded guilty to a single charge of domestic abuse when he appeared in court in Scotland on November 4. The court's decision to impose a supervision order instead of a jail term means that Hogg will be subject to close monitoring and guidance for the next year, rather than serving a custodial sentence.

Former Scotland rugby union captain Stuart Hogg has been sentenced to a community payback order with one year of supervision for abusing his estranged wife, Gillian Hogg. He admitted to shouting and swearing, tracking her movements, and sending alarming and distressing messages. Sheriff Peter Paterson imposed the sentence as an “alternative to custody” and also barred Hogg from approaching or contacting Gillian Hogg for five years.

Hogg's abusive behavior included berating Gillian Hogg for “not being fun” after his drinking binges with colleagues. On one occasion, he sent her over 200 text messages in a few hours, triggering a panic attack. This incident led to his arrest and subsequent bail conditions, which he breached by repeatedly contacting Gillian Hogg in June, sending her 28 texts in one night.

Lynne Barrie, the procurator fiscal, emphasized the severity of Hogg's actions, saying, “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.” Hogg, who plays for French club Montpellier, left the court without comment, accompanied by his parents.

Sheriff Peter Paterson sentenced ex-Scotland captain Stuart Hogg to a community payback order. https://t.co/E7DYdjYY9n pic.twitter.com/OxfTMKGtQW

— STV News (@STVNews) January 9, 2025

Detective Sergeant Jade Wardell of Police Scotland emphasized the importance of reporting domestic abuse, stating: “Domestic abuse in any form is completely unacceptable. Without the victim coming forward and reporting these incidents to us, we would not have been able to ensure that Hogg faces the consequences.” This sentiment highlights the crucial role that victims play in bringing perpetrators to justice.

Stuart Hogg, a renowned rugby player, has had a distinguished career. As one of Scotland's all-time leading try scorers, he won his final cap in March 2023 and also represented the British and Irish Lions. After retiring from professional rugby in July 2023, Hogg made a surprise return to the sport ahead of the current European season, signing a two-year contract with Montpellier.