A mother has been convicted of causing the death of her three-month-old daughter by exposing her to heat from a hairdryer. Courtney Gartshore, aged 28, had pleaded not guilty to the charge of culpable homicide of her infant, Dahlia-Rose, who was under her care in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, in September 2023.
After a seven-day trial at the High Court in Aberdeen, the jury deliberated for just over an hour before reaching a guilty verdict. Gartshore was visibly emotional as she was escorted from the courtroom to the holding cells. The court proceedings revealed that she was found responsible for recklessly subjecting Dahlia-Rose to the heat from the hairdryer while the baby was solely in her care, resulting in fatal injuries to the child.
Gartshore is scheduled to be sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on August 14. Evidence presented in court showed that Dahlia-Rose sustained burns on 18% of her body, with her DNA detected on the hairdryer. A distressing 999 call made by Gartshore, reporting her child turning “purple” while sleeping, was played during the trial.
Despite conflicting opinions, burns specialist Dr. Timothy Burges testified that the heat injuries may not have directly caused the infant’s death. It was alleged that Gartshore had consumed alcohol prior to the tragic incident, though other charges against her were dropped by the prosecution.
The tragic event unfolded on September 30, 2023, when emergency services were alerted after Dahlia-Rose was declared deceased at their residence in Peterhead. Following a thorough investigation, Gartshore was apprehended and formally charged in November 2023.
Detective Inspector James Callander expressed deep sorrow over the circumstances surrounding Dahlia Rose’s demise, emphasizing the vulnerability of children and the imperative need for their protection. He commended the collaborative efforts of all involved in the investigation and extended gratitude to the community for their cooperation and support throughout the inquiry, underscoring the importance of revealing the truth and ensuring justice for the young victim.