Former Scottish rugby captain Stuart Hogg has been released on bail, following his arrest for an alleged breach of his existing bail conditions ahead of a trial for a number of domestic abuse allegations.
The 32-year-old had been due to stand trial at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, accused of engaging in a course of conduct that caused his ex-wife Gillian Hogg “fear and alarm” over a seven-year period between 2017 and 2024.
However he was arrested after allegedly making contact with his ex, and has been accused of a further stalking offence, and two charges of breaching his bail conditions.
The new charges allege that on August 23rd he repeatedly telephoned and messaged his ex-wife, and that he breached bail conditions on August 12th by contacting her via video call, and then on August 17th by parking his car in a way that prevented her from driving away and speaking to her.
Hogg denies all three of the new allegations, and will face trial for these and the existing charges against him in November.
During the hearing at Jedburgh Sheriff Court, advocate depute Drew Long called for Hogg to be remanded in custody ahead of the trial, saying the rugby star was accused of breaching his bail conditions despite “being placed under an undertaking” not to do so.
Hogg’s representative Mat Patrick told the court his client maintained his innocence in relation to each of the three charges.
He added that the additional allegations contained no “violence or even threat of violence, and I think it’s worth mentioning that the complainer in one of her statements explicitly states that”.
He said: “Whatever happened in this case seems to have arisen because Mr Hogg is allowed contact with his children, and there is no prohibition on him going to the property where his children were residing at that time.”
Judge Sheriff Peter Paterson told Hogg: “It seems to me that part of this may be your desire to see your children, and for that reason you are going to be released on bail.
“But you are not to enter (her house) and you are not to approach, attempt to approach, or contact Gillian Hogg in any way.
“That means you can say absolutely nothing to her at all under any circumstances.”
Hogg, dressed in a white jumper and blue trousers, spoke only to confirm his name
The former Scotland international denies engaging in a course of conduct that caused his ex-wife “fear and alarm” over a seven-year period between 2017 and 2024.
The accusations against him include that he acted in a controlling manner towards her, repeatedly tracked her movements, and monitored her communication with others.
He is also accused of shouting, swearing and acting aggressively towards her, and of repeatedly accusing her of infidelity.
He also denies an earlier breach of a court order barring him from contacting his ex-wife.
There will be a be a preliminary hearing on October 4th, followed by an intermediate diet on October 21st at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.
A trial is then scheduled to take place on November 4th, 5th and 8th at Selkirk Sheriff Court.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
