The sentencing of a woman found responsible for the death of her partner in Galashiels has been postponed until next month to allow further reports to be prepared, the High Court in Edinburgh heard.
Judge orders social work report before final disposal
Simone Ramage, 41, shot her partner, Brian Kowbel, in the body at their home in Galashiels on 17 February 2023. Mr Kowbel suffered injuries so severe that he later died in Borders General Hospital in Melrose.
Earlier in 2026, at an examination of facts hearing in the High Court in Edinburgh, Judge John Morris KC concluded that Ramage was responsible for the death and also found she had been in possession of an air rifle without the appropriate firearm certificate.
An examination of facts is used when a defendant is judged to be unfit to stand trial because of a mental disorder; it determines what occurred without attributing criminal guilt in the manner of a full trial.
Court defers sentencing to allow pre‑sentencing assessment
Ramage’s final disposal had been scheduled to be heard on 15 September at Edinburgh High Court, but during a short hearing the judge said a pre‑sentencing social work assessment was required before a disposal could be imposed.
“After some discussion with the clerk I will need a social work report,” the judge said. “I will call for a criminal justice social work report and defer it to October 7 in Edinburgh. It is hoped we can hit the nail on the head then.”
Ramage did not attend court for the brief procedural hearing. The deferral gives probation and social work services time to prepare a report setting out factors for the court to consider, including welfare needs, public protection considerations and appropriate community measures or custodial options.
- Date of incident: 17 February 2023
- Victim: Brian Kowbel (died at Borders General Hospital, Melrose)
- Defendant: Simone Ramage, aged 41
- Next court date: 7 October 2026, Edinburgh High Court
Legal context and local impact
Judge Susan Craig previously found Ramage unfit to stand trial at a hearing in March last year, which led to the examination of facts procedure being used. That process establishes the factual circumstances of the incident in place of a conventional trial when a defendant’s mental fitness is in question.
The requirement for a criminal justice social work report reflects the court’s need for detailed background information about the defendant’s circumstances, treatment needs and risk assessments before deciding on an appropriate disposal. For residents of Galashiels and the Borders, such hearings and reports are a reminder of the intersection between criminal justice and public health services in responding to serious incidents tied to mental disorder.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Incident at home in Galashiels | 17 February 2023 |
| Death confirmed at Borders General Hospital | Following the incident (2023) |
| Found unfit to stand trial | Hearing in March 2025 |
| Examination of facts hearing — responsibility established | Earlier in 2026 |
| Sentencing deferred | 15 September 2026 (deferred to 7 October 2026) |
The court will now consider the social work report at the hearing on 7 October to determine the final disposal. That decision will take into account the findings from the earlier examination of facts and the additional material contained in the pre‑sentencing assessment.
Members of the Galashiels community who were affected by the incident and its aftermath will be watching the October hearing for clarity on the outcome and any measures intended to address both public safety and support needs for those involved.
