Aberdeenshire police and the courts have confirmed that a woman has been found guilty of causing the death of her infant daughter by subjecting the child to significant and sustained heat from a hairdryer.
Verdict and immediate details
The High Court in Aberdeen found Courtney Gartshore, 28, guilty of causing the serious injuries to her daughter, Dahlia-Rose Gartshore, aged three months, at a property in Peterhead on 30 September 2023. The injuries were recorded as so severe that the baby subsequently died.
- The case was heard at the High Court in Aberdeen.
- The incident occurred on 30 September 2023 in Peterhead.
- The victim was a three-month-old infant, Dahlia-Rose Gartshore.
What the court heard
During the trial the jury heard a recording of a 999 call placed by Gartshore in which she reported discovering her daughter unresponsive. In that call she told the emergency operator she had woken to find her child "all purple" and said the baby appeared to be beyond help.
"I just woke up and her head is all purple ... her skin is peeling off and everything," the defendant told the emergency operator, according to evidence heard in court.
Paramedic evidence described the scene they encountered as "distressing". One of the first responders, Shona Helm, told the court that the baby's hand appeared "dark grey or black" and that skin was peeling off. A neighbour also gave evidence that hours before the emergency call they had heard Gartshore shouting with the baby in a pram and, on checking, found the infant's face to be "frozen, pure white". The neighbour said they advised Gartshore the baby needed a blanket.
Forensic and other evidence
Prosecution evidence included forensic analysis linking material containing the baby's DNA to the nozzle of a hairdryer recovered from the bedroom at the Gartshores' home. The court was told that Gartshore had been taking alcohol and mephedrone, a Class B stimulant, while the child was in her sole care.
| Detail | Recorded information |
|---|---|
| Date of incident | 30 September 2023 |
| Victim | Dahlia-Rose Gartshore, three months |
| Defendant | Courtney Gartshore, 28 |
| Court | High Court in Aberdeen |
Next steps and community impact
The trial concluded with a guilty verdict for causing the child to be subjected to significant and sustained heat from a hairdryer. The reporting available does not provide a completed account of the sentencing; court records indicate further procedures will take place to determine the outcome. The case has been noted in Peterhead for its severity and the distressing nature of the injuries described by emergency responders.
Local residents and professionals working with children may find the case particularly troubling. Anyone with concerns about a child's welfare should contact Police Scotland or local child protection services.
This office will provide updates as further court details or official statements become available.
