Stacey Gartshore has condemned her sister Courtney after a jury found the 28-year-old guilty of killing her three-month-old baby, Dahlia-Rose, by exposing her to heat from a hairdryer. The verdict was delivered on July 16 at the High Court in Edinburgh, following a trial that lasted seven days.
Guilty Verdict for Culpable Homicide
Jurors took just over an hour to reach a unanimous decision, concluding that Courtney Gartshore culpably and recklessly caused Dahlia-Rose to be exposed to heat from the hairdryer while the infant was in her sole care in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, in September 2023. Gartshore broke down in tears as she was led from the dock.
Sister's Emotional Response
Hours after the verdict, Stacey Gartshore shared a moving tribute to her niece on social media. She wrote: 'Well, my beautiful little darling - I can finally look at your photos and say I hope your beautiful wee soul is finally at peace now. Justice was served and rightfully so.' She added: 'I will carry all of the pain and hurt of losing you as a daily reminder of how much I love you and always will.'
In a direct message to her sister, Stacey said: 'You took away my beautiful little niece, my princess. You will never take away my hurt or anger at you personally. You have left me with this pain for the rest of my life.'
Details of the Case
During the trial, the court heard that Dahlia-Rose suffered burns to 18 percent of her body, injuries so severe that she died. The baby's DNA was found on the hairdryer. The Crown alleged that Gartshore had consumed alcohol and taken the Class B drug mephedrone while she was the baby's sole carer. Other charges were dropped before the case went to the jury.
Emergency crews were called to a property in Peterhead on September 30, 2023, where Dahlia-Rose was pronounced dead. Gartshore was arrested and charged in November 2023.
Police Statement
Detective Inspector James Callander said: 'Children are defenceless and should be protected. The death of any child is particularly harrowing, but a child's death at the hands of a parent is incredibly disturbing.' He thanked the community and partner agencies for their support during the investigation.
Sentencing Scheduled
Gartshore is due to be sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on August 14.
