Monster mum who burned her child alive with ‘warmth from hairdryer’ learns her destiny
WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: Courtney Gartshore, 28, was found guilty of culpably and recklessly causing the death of her three-month-old daughter Dahlia-Rose by exposing her to heat from a hairdryer
Monster mum Courtney Gartshore has been jailed(Image: Police Scotland)
A mum has been sentenced to six years in prison after killing her three-month-old baby daughter by exposing the child to heat from a hairdryer.
Courtney Gartshore denied culpable homicide after baby Dahlia-Rose died at King Street, Peterhead, in September 2023. Last month, the 28-year-old was convicted of culpably and recklessly causing Dahlia-Rose to be exposed to heat from a hairdryer while the child was in her sole care.
Prosecutors in the trial at Edinburgh’s High Court stated that the injuries inflicted were so severe that the three-month-old died as a result. Returning to the same court for sentencing on Friday, August 14, a judge handed Gartshore a six-year sentence.
Little Dahlia-Rose died in horror circumstances(Image: Facebook)
Police were summoned to a property in Peterhead by the Scottish Ambulance Service on September 20, 2023. Dahlia-Rose Gartshore was declared dead at the scene.
An investigation into the child’s death was initiated and following enquiries, Courtney Gartshore was arrested and charged in November that year. During the trial, jurors heard Dahlia-Rose suffered burns to 18% of her body, reports the Daily Record.
The infant’s DNA was subsequently found on the hairdryer. Gartshore was reported to have consumed alcohol prior to the incident and taken the Class B drug mephedrone while she was the baby’s sole carer.
Dahlia-Rose died at the scene(Image: Facebook)
Other charges she had initially faced were abandoned by the Crown before the case reached the jury. Jurors required just over an hour to deliver their unanimous verdict on the seventh day of the trial at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday, July 16.
Gartshore collapsed in tears as she was escorted from the dock. Stacey Gartshore, Courtney’s sister and Dahlia-Rose’s aunt, posted a heartfelt tribute to her niece mere hours after the verdict.
She wrote: “Well, my beautiful little darling – I can finally look at your photos and say I hope your beautiful wee soul is finally at peace now. Justice was served and rightfully so.
Stacey Gartshore, Courtney’s sister and Dahlia-Rose’s aunt, posted a heartfelt tribute to her niece mere hours after the verdict(Image: Facebook)
“I will carry all of the pain and hurt of losing you as a daily reminder of how much I love you and always will. I may never see you again, but you will live in my heart for the rest of my life. Sleep tight my little angel. Forever loved and missed. All my love, Auntie Stacey.”
Speaking following the verdict last month, 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.
“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.
“The unwavering commitment and professionalism shown by our officers and partner agencies who worked tirelessly to ensure this complex enquiry was conducted thoroughly and with the utmost care, dignity, and respect.
“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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