Former Scottish rugby international Stuart Hogg has been sentenced to a one-year community payback order after admitting to a charge of domestic abuse against his estranged wife, Gillian Hogg. The sentence, delivered at Selkirk Sheriff Court, serves as an alternative to imprisonment. In addition, Hogg was placed under a five-year non-harassment order, prohibiting him from contacting or approaching his ex-wife. He was also fined £600, with a £40 victim surcharge .
The court heard that over a five-year period, Hogg engaged in a pattern of abusive behavior, including shouting, swearing, and sending distressing messages to Mrs. Hogg. He also monitored her movements using a location-tracking app and sent over 200 text messages in a short period, despite her requests for him to stop. These actions caused her significant fear and alarm .
Hogg, who now plays for French club Montpellier, has expressed remorse for his actions. The Crown Office emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for domestic abuse, regardless of their status or profession .
The case has sparked public debate about the adequacy of the sentence, with some arguing that it does not sufficiently reflect the severity of the abuse. However, the court’s decision underscores the commitment to addressing domestic abuse through legal means, aiming to provide justice and support for victims.
IN ANOTHER SEPARATE CASE
Michael Paterson, a former council tax and recovery team leader at Aberdeen City Council, has been sentenced to four years in prison after embezzling over £1 million from the local authority over a 17-year period. Paterson, 59, exploited his position to issue unauthorized council tax refunds and alter payee account details, diverting funds into his own accounts. His actions went undetected until September 2023, when a colleague noticed an unusual refund transaction, prompting an investigation that revealed a total embezzlement of £1,087,444.47 .
The court heard that Paterson began his fraudulent activities in 2006 to alleviate personal debts but continued to misappropriate funds to finance a lavish lifestyle, including foreign holidays, dining out, and purchasing technology, particularly Apple products. Despite earning a salary of £35,000 per year, he remained in significant debt at the time of his arrest .
Aberdeen City Council acknowledged the breach of trust and has committed to reviewing and strengthening its financial controls and processes, including council tax refund arrangements, to prevent future incidents. The council also stated that it would contact affected residents to reinstate any council tax credit due .
In addition to his prison sentence, Paterson faces a Proceeds of Crime action, aiming to recover the stolen funds. The Crown Office emphasized that embezzlement is not a victimless crime and that such criminality is taken very seriously. The conviction serves as a warning to others involved in similar criminal behavior .
Paterson’s case underscores the importance of robust internal controls and oversight within public sector organizations to prevent and detect fraudulent activities.
