Trial Begins for Mother Accused of Killing Baby with Hairdryer
Courtney Gartshore, 27, has gone on trial at the High Court in Aberdeen, accused of killing her three-month-old daughter Dahlia-Rose by subjecting her to significant heat from a hairdryer. The alleged incident occurred on September 30, 2023, at a property in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire.
Prosecutors claim Gartshore acted culpably and recklessly, causing the child to be subjected to significant and sustained heat on her head and body from the hairdryer. The culpable homicide charge states Dahlia-Rose's injuries were so severe she died as a result.
Additional Charges of Neglect and Drug Possession
Gartshore, of Aberdeen, faces a separate accusation of wilfully neglecting Dahlia-Rose in the day leading to her death. This includes claims she drank alcohol to excess, co-slept with the baby while intoxicated, possessed controlled drugs, and kept the child in unsanitary conditions with dirty nappies, spoiled food, and drink littered around.
Among other charges are accusations that Gartshore was in possession of mephedrone, a class B stimulant, and cocaine. The trial is expected to last around 10 days.
Denial of Charges
According to the BBC, Gartshore has denied the charge of culpable homicide, along with the other charges. The trial continues at the High Court in Aberdeen.
