Peterhead mum jailed for killing baby with hairdryer
Courtney Gartshore is sentenced to six years in prison for culpable homicide
Last updated 2 hours ago
A mother from Aberdeenshire has been sentenced to six years in prison for killing her three-month-old daughter using heat from a hairdryer.
Courtney Gartshore, aged 28, subjected Dahlia-Rose Gartshore to "significant and sustained heat" on her head and body, leading to her death.
The tragic event occurred at an address on King Street in Peterhead, on 30th September 2023.
Emergency services arrived on scene after the incident, but Dahlia-Rose was pronounced dead at the location.
Arrest and Investigation
Gartshore had been drinking that day and was in sole charge of her baby at the time.
She was arrested and charged in November 2023, following an investigation into her daughter’s death.
Gartshore’s trial took place in July at the High Court in Aberdeen, where she was convicted.
Sentencing Details
On Friday, she appeared in court via video link wearing a navy prison uniform, visibly emotional as she received her sentence at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Her defence lawyer, Murray Macara, argued that he could not provide a reasonable explanation for the use of the hairdryer, speculating that perhaps she used it recklessly as a source of heat.
Macara highlighted Gartshore's history of childhood trauma, mental health issues, and self-harm.
Judge Simon Collins KC, who described the case as “uniquely disturbing,” noted Gartshore’s high degree of carelessness, acknowledging that she did not intend to harm or kill her baby.
He stated that it should have been evident to Gartshore that Dahlia-Rose was in severe distress and pain.
The baby's likely causes of death were hyperthermia and heat stroke, according to the judge.
Court testimony revealed that Dahlia-Rose sustained burns on 18% of her body’s surface, with severe injuries particularly around her head, neck, upper body, and one arm.
Police and Community Response
Detective Inspector James Callander emphasised the tragic nature of the case, stating: “Children are defenceless and should be protected.”
He expressed gratitude towards everyone who supported the investigation and acknowledged the local community for their cooperation.
DI Callander said, “The unwavering commitment and professionalism shown by our officers and partner agencies...ensured this complex inquiry was conducted thoroughly and with the utmost care, dignity, and respect.”