Former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg has appeared at Jedburgh Sheriff Court accused of stalking offences against his wife Gillian. Hogg, his country’s all-time top leading scorer, has pleaded not guilty to three charges.
The 31-year-old was charged with stalking by engaging in a course of conduct which caused his wife Gillian fear and alarm. The alleged incidents are said to have taken place at properties in Glasgow and Hawick, Roxburghshire, between January 2017 and March 2019.
Hogg, who was awarded an MBE in the 2024 New Year Honours list, allegedly shouted and swore at her and acted in an aggressive manner. It is alleged that he accused Gillian of infidelity, repeatedly tracked her movements, monitored her communication with others and repeatedly attempted to control family life.
A second charge against Hogg was made under the Domestic Abuse Scotland Act and alleges similar conduct between April 2019 and March of this year at properties in Hawick and Devon. The charge includes an additional allegation that Hogg repeatedly sent Gillian texts of an alarming and distressing nature, including threats to harm himself.
In addition, a third charge alleges that he had been released on an undertaking not to approach his wife in any way apart from arranging child contact. However, it is claimed that he got in touch with her on March 30 this year at her home.
In court, Hogg spoke only to confirm his name and heard that his trial date has been set for July 30. The former Glasgow Warriors and Exeter Chiefs player was released on bail with special conditions not to contact his former partner and to stay away from her address near Hawick.
He denied the charges and was given his bail papers. Hogg subsequently left the court to waiting photographers and was driven away by his parents, John and Margaret Hogg.
Hogg married Gillian Barony Castle in Peeblesshire in 2016. However, the pair split last year while Gillian was pregnant with the couple’s fourth child. The former rugby player, who abruptly retired prior to the 2023 World Cup, is reported to have started a new relationship with horse racing presenter Leonna Mayor.
Scotland handed Hogg exactly 100 caps during his playing career. He scored a record 27 tries during his time in international rugby.
