SHE WAS ONLY THREE MONTHS OLD: BABY DAHLIA-ROSE’S LIFE ENDED IN A HEARTBREAKING TRAGEDY AS HER MOTHER IS JAILED FOR SIX YEARS
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Courtney Gartshore, 28(Image: MET POLICE/UNPIXS)
A mum who killed her three-month-old baby with heat from a hairdryer has been jailed for six years.
Courtney Gartshore, 28, used the appliance to subject Dahlia-Rose Gartshore to “significant and sustained heat” on the head and body at an address on King Street in Peterhead, Scotland on September 30 2023.
Emergency services were called to the property but Dahlia-Rose was pronounced dead at the scene. Gartshore had been drinking while she had been in sole charge of the infant.
An investigation into the child’s death was launched and Gartshore, from Aberdeen, was arrested and charged in November 2023.
She was convicted of culpable homicide following a trial at the High Court in Aberdeen in July. Returning to the same court for sentencing on today, a judge handed Gartshore a six-year sentence
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Dahlia-Rose Gartshore
During the trial, jurors heard Dahlia-Rose suffered burns to 18 per cent of her body.
The infant’s DNA was subsequently found on the hairdryer. As well as drinking before the incident, she was said to have taken the Class B drug mephedrone.
Her defence had argued the baby may have already been dead before the burn injuries, but a jury took just over an hour to return the guilty verdict. Gartshore broke down in tears as she was led from the dock.
Following Gartshore’s conviction detective inspector James Callander described the case as “incredibly disturbing”. “Children are defenceless and should be protected,” the officer said.
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Gartshore was said to have consumed alcohol before the incident and taken the Class B drug mephedrone
“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 inquiry.
“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.”
SOURCE: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/mum-killed-baby-hairdryer-scotland-37550491
