Mother guilty of killing baby daughter in Aberdeenshire with heat from hairdryer

A mother has been found guilty of killing her baby daughter due to heat from a hairdryer.

Courtney Gartshore, 28, had denied the culpable homicide of three-month-old Dahlia-Rose in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, in September 2023.

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."

Police Scotland said officers received a call from the Scottish Ambulance Service alerting them to the death on 30 September 2023.

An investigation was launched, with Gartshore subsequently arrested and charged in November 2023.

Gartshore went on trial this month at the High Court in Aberdeen and was found guilty on Thursday.

She was convicted of culpably and recklessly causing Dahlia-Rose to be subjected to significant and sustained heat from the hairdryer on her head and body while the child was in her sole care.

The charge said the girl's injuries were so severe that she died as a result.

Gartshore will be sentenced on 14 August.

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DI Callander said: "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."

He added: "I also want to acknowledge the local community for their patience, understanding and support throughout this investigation, particularly those who came forward with information, whose cooperation has been invaluable in helping us establish the truth and secure this conviction."

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