A mother has been imprisoned for six years after causing the death of her three-month-old daughter by subjecting the infant to heat from a hairdryer.
Conviction and sentencing
Courtney Gartshore had denied culpable homicide following the death of baby Dahlia-Rose at King Street, Peterhead, in September 2023. Last month, the 28-year-old was convicted of culpably and recklessly causing Dahlia-Rose to be subjected to heat from a hairdryer while the infant was in her sole care.
Prosecutors during the trial at the High Court in Aberdeen stated the injuries sustained were so catastrophic the three-month-old died as a consequence, the Daily Record reports. At the High Court in Edinburgh, where she appeared via video link dressed in a navy prison uniform for sentencing on Friday, August 14, a judge imposed a six-year prison term on Gartshore.
Investigation and trial
Officers were summoned to an address in Peterhead by the Scottish Ambulance Service on September 20, 2023. Dahlia-Rose Gartshore was declared dead at the scene. An investigation into the infant's death was initiated and following enquiries, Courtney Gartshore was arrested and charged in November that year.
Throughout the trial, jurors were told Dahlia-Rose sustained burns covering 18 per cent of her body. Gartshore was alleged to have used the device to expose Dahlia-Rose to "significant and sustained heat" on the head and body, inflicting fatal injuries. The child's DNA was later discovered on the hairdryer. Gartshore was reported to have consumed alcohol prior to the incident and taken the Class B drug mephedrone while she was the baby's sole carer.
Other charges she had initially faced were dropped by the Crown before the matter was put to the jury. Jurors required just over an hour to deliver their unanimous verdict on the seventh day of proceedings at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday, 16 July.
Reaction and tribute
Gartshore broke down in tears as she was led from the dock. Stacey Gartshore, Courtney's sister and Dahlia-Rose's aunt, posted a poignant tribute to her niece mere hours following the verdict. 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."
"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. I may never see you again, but you will live in my heart for the rest of my life. Sleep tight my little angel. Forever loved and missed. All my love, Auntie Stacey."
Speaking following the verdict last month, 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."
"Everyone involved in this investigation was deeply affected by the circumstances of Dahlia Rose's death, but our job is to uncover the truth and ensure that the person responsible is brought to justice. I would like to express sincere thanks to everyone who supported what was an incredibly difficult and sensitive enquiry."
The unwavering commitment and professionalism shown by officers and partner agencies ensured the complex enquiry was conducted thoroughly and with the utmost care, dignity, and respect. The local community's patience, understanding, and support throughout the investigation, particularly those who came forward with information, was invaluable in helping establish the truth and secure the conviction.
