FORMER Scotland rugby captain Stuart Hogg has had his trial for later this month postponed.
During a brief hearing at Jedburgh Sheriff Court today his lawyer, Mat Patrick, told Sheriff Donald Ferguson that they had only “recently” received files from prosecutors.
The 32-year-old sat in the dock as his brief submitted not guilty pleas to charges including stalking and domestic abuse.
Hogg, who attended court with his father, also had his appearance at the next calling “excused” as he will be in France after taking up a new contract with Montpellier.
His lawyer told the court: “Mr Hogg continues to plead not guilty to the charges.
“The trial is due to be held on July 30 but we have some difficulties with this date as we have only recently received the disclosure from the Crown.
“Our motion is to postpone the trial and a new date has been identified.
“Mr Hogg takes up employment shortly in France so I would request his attendance at the next hearing is excused.”
Hogg was also due to be sentenced for breaching his bail after admitting that charge earlier this month.
However, that will be dealt with at the conclusion of his trial.
Hogg was first arrested back in February at his estranged wife’s house for allegedly engaging in a course of conduct which caused fear and alarm.
The alleged incident is reported to have happened on February 25 – a day after he attended Scotland’s Calcutta Cup victory over England at Murrayfield.
He then appeared in the dock for a brief hearing at Jedburgh Sheriff Court back in May where he denied abusing and stalking his wife Gillian over a seven year period.
Hogg was also accused of monitoring his wife’s communications and controlling her family life for seven years.
He is also charged under section one of the Domestic Abuse Scotland Act which alleges he engaged in a course of behaviour which was “abusive” to his wife Gillian.
Sheriff Ferguson continued his bail and set a new trial date for September 10.
The law chief said: “I will postpone the trial on the defence motion.
“I will continue the other matter until the next Intermediate Diet.”
Hogg will stand trial on September 10.
