Community service issued to former Scotland star in latest off field drama

Montpellier fullback Stuart Hogg has been hit with yet another punishment this morning after admitting a domestic abuse charge against his estranged wife.

Appearing at Selkirk Sheriff Court alongside his parents, Hogg was issued with a payback order which requires the 32-year-old to complete one year’s worth of community service. This, Hogg was informed by Sheriff Peter Paterson, was an alternative punishment to what could have been jail time.

While Hogg made no comment during his appearance at the court, he will be required to return to the court on the 25th of March when the payback order will be reviewed for compliance.

The former Scotland international had previously admitted to sending the mother of his children 200 text messages in a few hours following the ending of his marriage leaving the mother of his children scared and wishing “for it to be morning as soon as possible”.

Hogg was also accused of using apps to track his partner’s location whilst also regularly going out drinking with colleagues and behaving abusively; shouting and swearing at his ex-wife and accusing her of “not being fun” for choosing to stay upstairs with their children when he returned home.

Lynne Barrie, procurator fiscal for Lothian and Borders, said Hogg had now been “held accountable for subjecting his estranged wife to years of domestic abuse”.

She said the Crown Office recognised the “devastating impact of domestic abuse” and was committed to the “robust prosecution of offences, regardless of who the offender is”.

She added: “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.”

Following the sentencing, Det Sgt Jade Wardell said that the force would not tolerate domestic abuse “of any kind”.

She noted: “Without the victim coming forward and reporting these incidents to us, we would not have been able to ensure that Hogg faces the consequences.”