Judge concludes woman killed partner with air rifle

A judge has concluded that a woman killed her partner by shooting him in the chest with an air rifle in the Scottish Borders.

Simone Ramage, 41, fired a weapon at Brian Kowbel at their home in Galashiels on 17 February 2023.

Judge John Morris KC made the finding following an examination of facts hearing at the High Court in Edinburgh.

The examination of facts procedure is used when accused people are found unfit to stand trial due to a mental disorder.

Judge Susan Craig concluded that Ramage was unfit to stand trial following a hearing held in Edinburgh last year.

Two psychiatrists said she had post traumatic stress disorder as a consequence of the shooting.

This triggered an examination of facts procedure - a judge hears evidence about the circumstances surrounding an alleged offence and determines whether an accused person is responsible for the crime.

The judge, who sits without a jury, makes a finding based on the circumstances of the case.

Judge Morris concluded that Ramage was responsible for the culpable homicide of Mr Kowbel.

He added: "I am satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused committed the actions constituted by the terms of the indictment.

"There are no grounds for acquitting her."

During proceedings last week, the court was told that the incident had been "an accident" and Ramage had just intended to "give him a fright" and "shoot past him".

It also heard how she had dialled 999 and performed CPR on Kowbel.

The Crown deserted charges against Ramage relating to firing an air rifle towards a fence and trying to conceal the weapon.

On Monday, prosecutor Erin Campbell said there was enough evidence to show that Ramage was responsible for committing culpable homicide.

Defence lawyer Victoria Dow told the court that she did not know the weapon was loaded.

She said this meant that her client was not responsible for the act.

Judge Morris continued the case for a report into the present state of Ramage's mental health.

The case will call again on 2 April.