Moment Stuart Hogg arrives at court as ex-Scotland rugby star stands trial for ‘domestic abuse & stalking’
STUART Hogg has arrived at court as his trial for alleged domestic abuse and stalking begins.
The rugby star is accused of domestic abuse charges spanning seven years.
The 32-year-old former Scotland ace also faces claims he sent “alarming and distressing” messages to his estranged wife, Gillian Hogg.
He was flanked by his mum and dad as he arrived at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday morning to face trial.
Hogg, who now plays for French club Montpellier, was seen wearing a navy blue suit, a checked shirt, and a poppy as he walked into court with his parents, Margaret and John.
He also appeared to be wearing a black protective cover over his left hand.
Initially due to stand trial in September, Hogg was arrested the day before the hearing over new stalking allegations and breach of bail claims.
The trial was postponed to November after three additional charges were added, including one of causing fear to a second alleged victim Ms Jill O’Donnell.
The charges allege that Hogg’s conduct caused “fear or alarm” to O’Donnell on April 1, 2023, and August 23, 2023.
Hogg has been accused of monitoring Gillian’s communications and controlling her family life under section one of the Domestic Abuse Scotland Act.
He was previously nicked in February and July.
In May, he appeared in the dock where he denied abusing and stalking his estranged wife Gillian, 37, over a seven-year period.
We told last month how the start date for Hogg’s trial was set for today after he missed a court appearance, with his lawyer told a hearing he’d been “excused”.
Hogg is now facing trial for allegedly engaging in an “abusive” course of behaviour.
How you can get help
Women's Aid has this advice for victims and their families:
- Always keep your phone nearby.
- Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
- If you are in danger, call 999.
- Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
- Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
- If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
- Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200.
The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – messageinfo@supportline.org.uk.
Women’s Aid provides a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
The full-back denies all charges, including abusing and stalking Gillian over seven years.