Courtney Gartshore, 28, has been jailed for six years for killing her three-month-old baby with heat from a hairdryer. She subjected Dahlia-Rose Gartshore to “significant and sustained heat” on the head and body at an address on King Street in Peterhead, Scotland, on September 30 2023.
Emergency response and investigation
Emergency services were called to the property, but Dahlia-Rose was pronounced dead at the scene. Gartshore had been drinking while she was in sole charge of the infant. An investigation into the child’s death was launched, and Gartshore, from Aberdeen, was arrested and charged in November 2023. She was convicted of culpable homicide following a trial at the High Court in Aberdeen in July.
Detective's statement
Following Gartshore’s conviction, detective inspector James Callander described the case as “incredibly disturbing”. “Children are defenceless and should be protected,” the officer said. “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.”
Callander expressed sincere thanks to everyone who supported the inquiry, acknowledging the commitment and professionalism of officers and partner agencies, as well as the local community for their patience and cooperation. He noted that those who came forward with information were invaluable in helping establish the truth and secure the conviction.
