Serial abuser Lee Inglis has admitted to murdering his ex-partner Stacey Hogg in a frenzied knife attack at her home in Hawick. The 39-year-old pleaded guilty to her murder on Friday, October 9, at the High Court in Edinburgh. He is due to be sentenced at the same court on Thursday, November 5.
Attack details
Emergency services were scrambled to McLagan Drive on the morning of Thursday, June 25, 2026, with mum-of-three Stacey tragically pronounced dead at the scene. The court heard that Inglis launched a frenzied knife attack on Stacey as she came down the stairs after slipping through her back door. Stacey was found in a pool of blood in her downstairs bathroom with "catastrophic wounds" to her neck and head, according to police.
Inglis told police he "intended to cut off her head" because if he "couldn't have her, nobody would". Inglis had a history of domestic abuse against his ex. They separated in November 2024 after he assaulted her with a knife the previous month, for which he was later convicted and handed a community payback order and restriction of liberty order which was still in place at the time of the murder.
Events leading to the murder
Prosecutor Leanne Cross KC told the court she began a new relationship in the months before her death and told Inglis on June 24 this year that she was seeing someone else. Ms Cross said Inglis then became "abusive and threatening" via text, saying "you shouldn't have told me Stacey" and "you know what's coming".
She said Ms Hogg was scared and went to her mother's home to wait until Inglis' curfew began at 7pm. She then returned to her own home and later went to bed. The court heard that at 7.01am on June 25, a Ring doorbell captured Inglis heading in the direction of Ms Hogg's home, carrying a backpack, and he was captured on CCTV arriving there at 7.04am.
Ms Cross told the court Inglis entered the house through the backdoor and that it is likely Ms Hogg came downstairs from her bedroom at around 7.06am where she encountered the accused and ended up in the bathroom.
Aftermath and sentencing
Inglis stabbed her repeatedly with a kitchen knife, with "numerous defensive injuries [suggesting] that she struggled with the accused," Ms Cross said. However the injuries to her neck eventually proved fatal. Ms Cross continued: "At 7.11am, the deceased managed to make a 999 call. In it she can be heard screaming, and she is heard to shout 'my kids' before the call dropped."
Ms Cross said Inglis, who lived with his parents, then returned to their home where he told his mother "phone the police because I have just killed Stacey". A police officer went to Ms Hogg's home and found her lying face down in a large pool of blood with no obvious signs of life. Stacey was pronounced dead at 7.56am.
Inglis, a part-time groundsman, was arrested by officers who went to his parents' house. A full psychiatric assessment of Inglis was carried out that day. Ms Cross said: "He said that he had been triggered by the deceased's disclosure of a new partner. He said that he had intended to cut off her head but had found this too difficult and that whilst his actions were premediated, it he had not intended for it to be that day or to be so rushed. He confirmed that the deceased was his possession and said that if he could not have her, no-one could."
The court heard the examining forensic psychiatrist described the accused as having a personality disorder but that he was fit to be detained and attend court. The court heard Inglis also had two convictions from December 2021 which related to Ms Hogg, as well as other convictions for assaults.
Lord Ewing deferred sentence until November 5 at the High Court in Edinburgh pending a criminal justice social work report. He told Inglis: "There is only one sentence that can be imposed for murder, that of life imprisonment. I want to consider the criminal justice social work report and the victim impact statements from Ms Hogg's parents and children."
Tributes and community response
Following her death, a GoFundMe was set up by Stacey's brother, Arran Hogg, which raised over £45,000 to help cover funeral costs and support her three children, Leyton, Lewis and Brodie. Arran also paid an emotional tribute for his sister who he says was "taken from us far too soon". Arran wrote: "Her kindness, strength and love will never be forgotten, and she will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her."
Detective Inspector Ross Duthie said: "Our thoughts remain with Stacey's family and friends as they continue to come to terms with what has happened. Nothing can make up for their loss, but I hope this outcome brings them some form of comfort. This was a horrific incident which understandably caused a lot of concern in the local area, and I would like to thank the community for their patience and assistance throughout our investigation. Inglis is a violent and dangerous individual who will now face the consequences of his despicable actions."
