Woman receives three-year supervision order after killing partner with air rifle

Simone Ramage was handed a three-year supervision and treatment order after being found responsible for the death of her partner, Brian Kowbel, who died from injuries sustained when she shot him with an air rifle at their Galashiels residence in February 2023. Judge John Morris KC, sitting in the High Court in Edinburgh, determined that a non-custodial sentence was the most appropriate response and ordered Ramage to comply with health-focused treatment.

He cautioned that non-compliance could result in the order being revoked and a subsequent court appearance. The case followed an earlier determination that Ramage was unfit to stand trial because of a mental disorder, leading to an examination of facts rather than a full trial. Additionally, the court noted she possessed the air rifle without the required firearm certificate. The sentencing was delayed to allow completion of a pre-sentencing social work report.