Ex-rugby star Stuart Hogg avoids jail over texts to wife

Former Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg has breached a court order to avoid contact with his estranged wife by sending her “unpleasant” text messages.

However, the 32-year-old avoided jail after being granted bail to allow him to travel to France later this month and join up with his new club Montpellier.

Mr Hogg spent a night in police cells before an appearance at Jedburgh Sheriff Court, where he pled guilty to repeatedly contacting his wife Gillian.

Sentence was deferred until the outcome of a domestic abuse trial later this month, which includes a charge of stalking and controlling behaviour towards his wife over a seven year period.

Sheriff James McCarron said that due to Hogg’s lack of previous convictions he was persuaded to release him on bail.

He told Hogg that if there was any repetition of his behaviour then it was “highly unlikely” he would be granted bail in the future.

The bail also allows the player attend his brother’s wedding.

Sheriff McCarron added: “Let there be no doubt – no contact means no contact, invited or otherwise.”