The estranged wife of former Scotland captain Stuart Hogg has broken her silence after he admitted abusing her.
Earlier this week, the 32-year-old full-back pleaded guilty to a single charge of domestic abuse when he appeared at Selkirk Sherriff Court. The court heard how he shouted and swore at his wife Gillian, tracked her movements and sent her hundreds of "alarming and distressing" messages over a five year period between 2019 and 2024.
Hogg's appalling behaviour towards Gillian left her feeling fearful and even caused her to have a panic attack. The court also heard how he had berated his wife for "not being fun" after going on drinking binges and that she would be "scared" of her husband when he became angry.
The couple, who have four children together, are in the process of divorcing. With ex-Exeter Chiefs and Glasgow man Hogg due to be sentenced next month, Gillian has now taken to social media to thank people for their support.
“Iv (sic) thought long and hard about a Facebook post, what to say, what not to,” she wrote. “But there’s nothing more important that needs to come from this than a thank you.
“Thank you to every single person who has reached out to me in ways of love, kindness and support. Who have text, messaged, called, visited, sent flowers. Who have gave me a hi, a smile, a hug or even just a look to show they care."
Looking ahead to the "next chapter" of her life, Gillian added: “My friends and family have picked me up and carried me through this all and il (sic) be grateful forever for them all. I have been completely overwhelmed this week especially. The abundance of support and love has swamped me in the most positive way. Thank you.
“Now, it’s time to start my next chapter. To move on and to keep showing my kids every day that strength comes from unconditional love and support around you, and even when it hurts, love wins.”
Hogg will be sentenced at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on December 5, with sentencing deferred until then for background reports.
